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Things to do in Bergen | Bergen's Best in One List

Things to do in Bergen | Bergen's Best in One List

Grace Hsu

  • Take a Fjord Cruise in Bergen
  • Hike Mount Floyen
  • Visit the Bryggen Historic District
  • Browse the Bergen Fish Market
  • Relax at Lille Lungegaardsvanne
  • Visit the Home of Edvard Grieg
  • Explore VilVite, the Bergen Science Center
  • Reach the Peak of Ulriken
  • Climb Rosenkrantz Tower
  • Dive Into the Norwegian Fisheries Museum
  • Visit the Arboretum and Botanical Garden
  • See St. John's Church
  • Experience the Heart of Vestkanten
  • Tour the Amazing Gamlehaugen
  • Check out the Bergen Maritime Museum
  • Visit Bergenhus Fortress
  • Get Wild at Akvariet i Bergen
  • Explore Torgallmenningen

Get ready to experience one of the most enchanting cities in Europe! Bergen sits nestled between glimmering fjords and towering mountains on Norway's southwestern coast. As a UNESCO World Heritage City, and the gateway to the fjords of Norway, Bergen offers endless possibilities. Be sure to put some of these amazing activities on your itinerary when you plan your visit to Bergen. 

Take a Fjord Cruise in Bergen       

Depart from the harbor in Bergen on a spectacular adventure into the Osterfjorden Fjord in the Hordaland province.  Fjord cruises from Bergen offer an incredible glimpse at Norway's wild scenery, from the shimmering waters of the fjord to the rugged peaks of the nearby mountains.

Things to do in Bergen | Bergen's Best in One List

The water here is crystal clear and clean enough to drink. Your guide will show you the spectacular sights of the fjord, and tell stories that illuminate the unique history of this beautiful place. Be sure to bring your camera – there will be great photo opportunities.

You   can take a fjord cruise year round. See tumbling waterfalls cascading into the fjord in summer, or see the mountains encrusted with ice in winter. At the far end of the 27-kilometer long Osterfjorden lies the tiny municipality of Modalen, home to just 380 people, where you can catch a fascinating glimpse into fjord life. 

Hike Mount Floyen       

One   of the magnificent "city mountains" that overlook the city of Bergen, Mount Fløyen is one of the great places in the area for hiking and sightseeing. The mountain is covered in shady, secluded forest. Hiking trails lead to the summit, where you can enjoy an amazing view across the city of Bergen. 

Things to do in Bergen | Bergen's Best in One List

If you don't have the energy to hike to the top of this 400-meter mountain, there's a faster option: take the funicular! The Fløibanen funicular railway is sort of like an electric rail car that travels back and forth between Bergen and the top of Mount Fløyen. It has become one of Bergen's most famous attractions, and it's definitely a must-do experience. The train will get you to the top in just 6 minutes. 

Visit the Bryggen Historic District       

The   historic harbor district of Bryggen is one of Bergen's main attractions. Known for its colorful buildings standing at the edge of the harbor, Bryggen was built after the great fire in 1702, and many of the structures remain from that time many centuries ago. This vibrant district was where the first buildings in Bergen were built.

Things to do in Bergen | Bergen's Best in One List

Today, it is included on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Despite being damaged by fires over the centuries, the most recent in 1955, roughly 65 buildings remain of Bergen's old Bryggen town center .

Beyond the iconic and colorful Bryggen front that overlooks the harbor, you will discover a world of possibilities in this historic district . Cozy shops and cafes, unique galleries and artists' studios, winding streets and hidden passageways wait to be explored, with new discoveries around every corner. 

Browse the Bergen Fish Market       

Fishing   has always been at the heart of Norwegian life. It is still how many Bergen residents make their living, and you can experience this first hand at the charming Fish Market in Bergen, one of the most important trade centers in Norway going back many centuries.

Things to do in Bergen | Bergen's Best in One List

The Fish Market in Bergen has existed since the 1200s, providing a place for fishermen and farmers to meet and sell their products. These days, it is one of the most visited outdoor markets in Norway. It's where locals come to find the best fresh-caught seafood, and where tourists come to get a taste of Bergen's rich history and vibrant present. 

You   will find the freshest seafood around at the Fish Market in Bergen, but you will also find much more. Fruits and vegetables, plants and flowers are always for sale from local farmers, and several restaurants on the site offer incredible local food. The market is open every year from May to September. 

Relax at Lille Lungegaardsvanne       

Take   life at a slower pace at Lille Lungegårdsvannet, a picturesque 5-acre lake in the heart of Bergen. The lake is naturally occurring, but it was once much larger than it is today. As the land around Lille Lungegårdsvannet was reclaimed, the lake was shaped and made smaller until it reached its present octagon shape. 

Things to do in Bergen | Bergen's Best in One List

Lille   Lungegårdsvannet sits at the center of a park in Bergen, which is a great place to relax and take a break, or even have a picnic lunch during a day of sightseeing. There is a large fountain at the center of the lake, and green open areas of grass and trees all around. Many other attractions are within walking distance, so be sure to stop by.

Visit the Home of Edvard Grieg       

Now   known as Troldhaugen, Edvard Grieg Museum was once the home of the celebrated composer Edvard Grieg. Here is where he composed many of his best-known works in the little garden hut behind the main house, and where he lived with his wife Nina Grieg for 22 years. The couple's grave site can be visited on the property.

Things to do in Bergen | Bergen's Best in One List

The   house, which has been a museum since 1922, is beautifully furnished with authentic artifacts from the era, including Grieg’s very own 1892 Steinway piano. Designed by Grieg's cousin, the architect Schak Bull, the house was referred to by Edvard himself as his "best composition." It's not hard to see why. Experience it for yourself, and immerse yourself in the life story of one of Norway's most renowned composers. 

Explore VilVite, the Bergen Science Center       

Prepare to enter the fascinating world of natural science and technology at VilVite, the Bergen Science Center. Home to an ever-changing selection of exhibits and displays that will fascinate visitors young and old, this is one of the finest museums in Norway and an amazing place to spend an afternoon in Bergen. 

Things to do in Bergen | Bergen's Best in One List

VilVite offers fun and exciting exhibits ranging from robots and underwater experiments to space exploration and virtual explorations. Many of these exhibits are interactive, inviting visitors to become a part of the scientific process. It's a great environment for kids, but grown-ups are sure to have a great time as well. Be sure to check their calendar for upcoming programs and special events.

Reach the Peak of Ulriken       

The mountain range that surrounds Bergen is known as De syv fjell – the Seven Mountains – and offers an endless array of incredible scenery and unforgettable outdoor adventure. The largest and most impressive of these peaks is Ulriken, which stands 643 meters over the fjords far below, and offers a remarkable view. 

Things to do in Bergen | Bergen's Best in One List

You can take a cable car straight to the top of Ulriken, but for a real adventure, set out for the summit on foot. Whether you hike with friends, as a solo adventure, or with a local guide, it's an amazing and often challenging experience. At the top, you will be rewarded with sweeping views of Bergen and the fjords beyond. 

You can follow a hiking trail to the peak of Ulriken by starting at the cable car departure site and following the well-marked trail up along the mountainside. There are steep sections, but the trail is suitable for hikers of all skill and fitness levels. Once you reach the top, there is a restaurant and free telescopes awaiting you, and you can always take the cable car back down.

Climb Rosenkrantz Tower       

Perhaps the most important Renaissance monument in Norway, Rosenkrantztårnet was built in the 1560s by the governor of Bergen Castle and includes structural components dating all the way back to the 12th century. The tower was also once home to King Eric Magnusson and is incredibly well preserved considering its age. 

Things to do in Bergen | Bergen's Best in One List

Rosenkrantztårnet stands to watch over the Bergenhus borough of Bergen, where it is easily accessible to the public. If taking a snapshot from ground level doesn't satisfy you, you can enter the tower for a modest fee and make your way up the winding stairs all the way to the roof of Rosenkrantztårnet, and take in a great view of the city. Entry to the nearby museum and cafe is included in your ticket. 

Dive Into the Norwegian Fisheries Museum       

Norway's rich coastal heritage is on display at the Norwegian Fisheries Museum. This is one of Norway’s newest and finest exhibitions about life along the sea coast, highlighting the incredible fishing that has supported many Norwegians throughout history. 

Things to do in Bergen | Bergen's Best in One List

Located near the waterfront behind the walls of authentic 18th-century wharf-side warehouses, the Norwegian Fisheries Museum offers a chance to learn more about the sea life of the Norwegian coast, and the men and women who depend on it. Take a guided or self-guided tour to learn more about everything from fish migrations and boat building techniques to seal hunting and the fish trade. 

You can also visit the museum as part of a ferry tour during the summer months, or rent a rowing boat to explore nearby waters during museum hours. After a trip to the museum, it's always a fun experience to head to the shore and see if what you have learned can help you identify the sea creatures you find. 

Visit the Arboretum and Botanical Garden       

The Arboretum and Botanical Garden at the University of Bergen offers a prime example of Norway's colorful and diverse plant life in a beautiful setting. The gardens were first planted by the university in 1887, and they have only grown in the many years since.  

Things to do in Bergen | Bergen's Best in One List

Today, Arboretum and Botanical Garden in Bergen is one of the best in Europe. Thanks to Norway's long summer days and ample sun, flowering plants thrive here like almost no other place in the world. In fact, more than 5,000 types of plants all over the world now call these gardens home. Stroll through the gardens at your leisure and watch for some of the most remarkable features, including: 

The largest collection of roses in Norway

Scandinavia's largest Rhododendron collection

Japanese Garden, Heather Garden, and Alpine Garden

Historical displays about Norway's plants and traditions

See St. John's Church       

Bergen is home to many splendid churches, but few can compare to St. John's Church, in Bergen's Sydnes neighborhood. The towering spire of this massive red brick church is instantly recognizable. It's easy to spot from miles away, and the sound of its massive pipe organ is a fixture of the Bergen landscape. The church is an architectural marvel and a truly awe-inspiring site. 

Things to do in Bergen | Bergen's Best in One List

St. John's Church, known locally as Johanneskirken, has 1250 seats, making it the largest church in Bergen. It was built in the 1890s in the Gothic Revival Style and is an essential part of any architecture tour of the city. The main spire has four stair towers and a carillon and is the highest tower in Bergen at an impressive 61 meters. 

Experience the Heart of Vestkanten       

Get ready for a day to remember at Badeland Waterworld, Bergen's premier water park located at the center of Vestkanten. This is a destination that all ages will enjoy, kids and adults alike.

Things to do in Bergen | Bergen's Best in One List

With eight pools, water slides, Jacuzzis and an ice skating rink, this water park has indoor and outdoor attractions, so it's perfect in any weather. It's always a good time to hit the water.

Badeland is at the heart of Vestkanten, Norway's largest shopping and entertainment center, which includes more than 100 stores, several restaurants and cafes, a gym, curling and bowling facilities, and much more. It's the perfect place for some family fun in Bergen.

Tour the Amazing Gamlehaugen       

With a history dating back to the middle ages, the mansion called Gamlehaugen is the residence of the Norwegian Royal Family in Bergen. The architecture of the home borrows elements from 16th-century French castles as well as the high-towered Royal fortresses of Scotland. Gamlehaugen was designed by renowned architect Jens Zetlitz Monrad Kielland and is surrounded by a park-like landscape much like an English garden. 

Things to do in Bergen | Bergen's Best in One List

Gamlehaugen is owned by the state and at the disposal of the King of Norway, but that doesn't mean you can't visit. The grounds are open to the public and are often used as a spot for picnicking and sunbathing. You can also take a tour of the interior of the house during the summer months when the staterooms on the ground floor are open to the public.

Check out the Bergen Maritime Museum       

Experience the deep connection between Norway and the waters that surround it at the Bergen Maritime Museum. The museum presents the maritime history of Norway's seafaring culture from the earliest times right up to the modern day. Bergen's local roots are at the heart of the museum, but the collections represent cultures from throughout Norway. 

Things to do in Bergen | Bergen's Best in One List

The most amazing part of the Bergen Maritime Museum is its beautiful collection of Viking ship models. They are incredibly detailed, lifelike, and historically accurate, and help bring the distant past into the modern era. You will also see paintings, marine artifacts and a treasure trove of exhibits that include an extensive film and video collection. 

Visit Bergenhus Fortress       

Bergenhus Fortress stands to watch over the Port of Bergen, just as it has for centuries. Where once it deterred Norway's enemies, today it welcomes its visitors. Just footsteps away from where most Bergen cruise ships arrive at port, it is one of the most popular attractions in the city.  

Things to do in Bergen | Bergen's Best in One List

It is also one of the most beautiful. The main castle, Håkonshallen, is built of imposing stone and mortar. Like many of the buildings contained within the fortress, it dates back to the 1240s, builds under the reign of King Håkon Håkonsson. 

Bergenhus Fortress is one of the oldest and most well-preserved fortifications in Norway, and visiting it is an unforgettable experience. The fortress area is open to the public during scheduled hours, and you may wander among the ancient stone buildings at your leisure. Be sure to visit the Bergenhus Fortress Museum, which contains incredible displays and historical artifacts from throughout Bergen's history.

Get Wild at Akvariet i Bergen       

Akvariet i Bergen, the Bergen Aquarium, is filled with marvelous creatures and attractions that will give you a chance to reconnect with your wild side! You will see more than 50 different aquariums, both large and small, in which live some of the most amazing animals on earth. 

Things to do in Bergen | Bergen's Best in One List

Many fish, shellfish and other sea creatures from the waters of Norway call the aquarium home. But you will also see marine life from all over the world, from tropical aquariums to deep-sea fish and incredible creatures from the Arctic. You can even watch the crocodiles being fed, see the family of penguins, and get to meet creatures like the piranha, king crab, and many snakes and lizards. 

The Bergen Aquarium was considered to be the largest and most modern aquarium in Northern Europe when it opened its doors in 1960. It remains one of the premier wildlife attractions in Scandinavia. Akvariet i Bergen will fascinate visitors young and old alike.

Explore Torgallmenningen       

Spend some time in one of the most popular meeting places in Bergen – Torgallmenningen City Square. This centrally located street and square are closed to automobiles, making it a perfect place to explore on foot. It has been at the very heart of Bergen for centuries, and its wide-open space was originally intended as a fire break after Bergen was burned in the great fire of 1702.

Things to do in Bergen | Bergen's Best in One List

Today, Torgallmenningen is an ideal place to get a taste of Bergen's vibrant culture. The historic buildings all around the square are now filled with numerous shops, restaurants, cafes, and taverns. 

This large city square is where locals come to meet old friends, and visitors come to make new ones. Concerts, festivals, and other events take place in Torgallmenningen many times throughout the year, and you are guaranteed to see some of Bergen's incredible street performers on any given day. The square is also just footsteps from many of Bergen's other attractions, like Ole Bulls Plass and the famous Fish Market. 

From rich culture to wild scenery, Bergen is a beautiful city that offers endless possibilities. Check the availability today and learn more about planning your adventure in Bergen, Norway.

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Visit Bergen in Norway: the 7 unmissable things

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📌 Read in / Lire en : Français ( French )

Once the capital of Norway, Bergen remains the country’s second-largest city. It’s primarily the gateway for any traveller to the fjords region, making it an essential destination in Norway. But don’t just see it as a brief stopover on your Viking journey! The city, with its sleepy seaside charm, has much to offer in terms of activities and sights. Here’s what we recommend you visit in Bergen.

📚  A bit of History . If you’ve watched Vikings , you’d be interested to know that the city was founded roughly around the same time the series is set, in about 1070 AD, by King Olaf III. Bergen started to flourish in the following century with the arrival of German merchants.

🗒️ Northern Lights, hotels: things to know about Bergen

Before we delve into the must-dos in Bergen, let’s address some frequently asked questions about this Norwegian destination.

When is the best time to visit Bergen?

Well, it depends on what you’re after. If you want to avoid rain (though bear in mind, Bergen is known for its wet weather) and enjoy milder conditions, it’s best to visit between May and August, during the summer. This is also when the days are longest, giving you ample time to explore and soak up its unique ambiance.

For fewer crowds but still decent weather, late spring and early autumn are good times. But in that case, pack some warm clothing for the evenings.

Is it easy to travel from Bergen to other parts of Norway, including the fjords?

Yes, in fact, Bergen is often dubbed the “gateway” to the fjords of Western Norway. From here, you can easily reach renowned fjords like Nærøyfjord and Sognefjord , either via organised tours or by boat and train. If you’re heading east, the railway line connecting Bergen to Oslo (read our guide ) promises breathtaking views, though at seven hours, it’s quite a journey.

Can you see the Northern Lights from Bergen?

The Northern Lights are mainly spotted in Northern Norway, especially above the Arctic Circle. However, during high solar activity, it’s occasionally possible to witness them in Bergen, though it’s rare. If catching this mesmerising phenomenon is your primary goal, cities further north, like Tromsø, are a better bet. Check out our handy guide on the topic (our website’s premier article).

Which hotel to choose in Bergen?

Nestled in Bergen’s heart, Opus 16 is a stylish hotel that beautifully blends history with modernity. Formerly the home of famed composer Edvard Grieg, this boutique hotel provides a luxurious stay with finely decorated rooms and a restaurant serving contemporary Nordic cuisine.

Nearby, Bergen Børs Hotel is housed in the old Bergen stock exchange building, showcasing 19th century architecture. The rooms feature a minimalist Scandinavian design, and it also boasts one of the city’s best seafood restaurants.

Lastly, located near the renowned Bryggen district, the Clarion Collection Hotel Havnekontoret occupies a splendid historic building that once served as a harbour office. It seamlessly merges Bergen’s maritime history with contemporary luxury. Its spacious rooms offer stunning views of the harbour and historic district.

🔝 What are the things to do in Bergen?

Alright, let’s delve into the heart of our topic, the reasons you’re reading this article: the must-see things to do in Bergen.

Explore the Bryggen district

You can’t say you want to visit Bergen without planning a stop in this historic neighbourhood. Deemed one of the most picturesque in all of Norway, Bryggen is a riot of colours thanks to its wooden houses (in shades of yellow, red, ochre, and more).

It should come as no surprise then that Bryggen is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Once, it was the heart of trade between Europe and Norway. Walking through here is a journey back in time, with its remarkable architecture everywhere you look.

visit bergen bildebank

Treat yourself to a beautiful view at the Rosenkrantz tower

It’s not just timber that makes Bergen stand out! Head over to the Vågen bay, and you’ll find an unusual structure: the Rosenkrantz Tower. Dating back to 1261, this tower is a genuine medieval relic. Once serving as protection against external threats, the tower, named after Erik Rosenkrantz, the 16th-century governor of Bergen’s castle, is now a city landmark.

But its appeal isn’t just historical. The Rosenkrantz Tower provides visitors with an unparalleled view of Vågen bay and the Bergen cityscape.

visit bergen bildebank

Visit the Fortress of Bergenhus

This is a natural continuation from the Rosenkrantz Tower. Located strategically in the city, Bergenhus Fortress houses ancient buildings, some of which were used as bunkers by the Germans during World War II.

A tour here lets you explore these bunkers, the stables, and command headquarters. Furthermore, parts of the fortress now host concerts, mainly during the summer months.

visit bergen bildebank

Eat at the Bergen Fish Market

If you’re a seafood enthusiast, this market is an absolute must-visit. Established in the 12th century, it has always been a hub for fish trade.

Here, you can sample both fresh and smoked fish. It’s also the perfect place for a hearty seafood dish. Plus, the culinary methods on display offer a unique insight into Norwegian culture.

Climb Mount Floyen

For a comprehensive view, why not gain some altitude? Thought the view from Rosenkrantz Tower was impressive? You’ll be even more amazed by the panorama from Mount Floyen, offering a sweeping vista of Bergen. Its peak is 425 metres high, but fear not; a funicular (opened in 1918) can whisk you up there in under ten minutes. Sounds enticing, doesn’t it?

Once at the summit, enjoy the view before taking a leisurely walk down, allowing you to appreciate the city from varied perspectives and marvel at the stunning fjords in the distance.

💡 Tip : Mount Floyen has its own website and even a mobile app provided by the funicular company to help you plan your visit. Check it out .

visit bergen bildebank

Learn at the Hanseatic Museum

When you’re exploring a city, it’s always worthwhile to visit at least one museum. Hence, we’ve included the renowned Hanseatic Museum ( official site ) in our list of Bergen must-sees. This place chronicles how German merchants from the Hanseatic League lived and traded in Bergen over 400 years, from 1350 to 1750.

Located in Bergen’s heart, the museum, established in 1872, comprises two trading houses whose interiors have remained intact for over three centuries. A few streets north, you’ll find the Schøtstuene, meeting rooms used by Hanseatic merchants during Norway’s harsh winters.

Both the Hanseatic Museum and the Schøtstuene are crucial to understanding Bergen’s strategic significance in the region during medieval times. And a guided tour is highly recommended.

Visit the Bergen Aquarium

Whether you’re travelling with kids or not, the city’s aquarium ( official site ) is both entertaining and educational. Although relatively small, it has around fifty tanks and aquariums where you can see sea lions, penguins, and seals, along with more exotic creatures like crocodiles.

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We hope this list of activities in Bergen, Norway, has been useful in planning your trip. If you have any more suggestions, please share them in the comments.

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Home » Travel Guides » Norway » 15 Best Things to Do in Bergen (Norway)

15 Best Things to Do in Bergen (Norway)

Norway’s second city was the home of kings in the Middle Ages and a trading post for the Hanseatic League. A remnant from that era is Bryggen, a photogenic quayside district of painted wooden houses with triangular gables.

Bergen’s city centre is watched by an arc of seven mountains capped with snow for much of the year. And two, Fløyen and Mount Ulriken have a funicular or cable car waiting to lift you to the summit. From there you can scramble over rocky trails with constant view of Bergen and its fjords.

And on that subject, the Hardangerfjord is a landscape that hardly looks real until you’re in it. A comfortable day trip destination from Bergen, the fjord is hemmed by formidable walls of rock that descend to bucolic little villages and orchards.

Let’s explore the best things to do in Bergen :

Bryggen

The row of slender wooden houses painted in yellow, ochre and red on the eastern quayside in the Vågen bay is one of Bergen’s enduring images.

Bryggen is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and these edifices would once have been warehouses, holding cereal from Europe and stockfish caught further north.

The passages between the storefronts hint at of how Bergen might have looked in Medieval times.

The city was born around this waterside community almost a millennium ago, and in the mid-14th-century Bryggen became a “Kontor”, a foreign trading post for the Hanseatic League, which had a presence across the whole of northern Europe at this time.

The architecture here now is from after a fire in 1702, but when these houses were rebuilt the same centuries old foundations were used.

2. Hanseatic Museum and Schøtstuene

Hanseatic Museum and Schøtstuene

Raised in the wake of the fire at the start of the 18th century, the beautiful timber building hosting the Hanseatic Museum is one of the oldest wooden structures in Bergen.

Since 1872 there has been a museum here, documenting the 400-year history of the German merchants’ guild’s association with Bergen from around 1350 to 1750. It is the only building at Bryggen to have retained its original interiors.

Its occupants were prohibited from lighting fires for light, heat or food because of the fire risk.

By day they would work downstairs in the warehouse and offices and spend nights in dormitories above.

On the same ticket you can go inside Schøtstuene a brief walk to the rear of Bryggen, assembly halls for the Hanseatic League, with meeting rooms, banquet halls and courtrooms.

3. St Mary’s Church

St Mary's Church, Bergen

The oldest building in Bergen is by the Schøtstuene behind Bryggen and is an unusual example of Romanesque architecture in Norway.

In fact, no other church in Norway has a western facade like this, with square, unadorned towers and semicircular windows typical of the Romanesque style.

St Mary’s Church would have been erected in the middle of the 12th century.

In the choir the pointed windows are Gothic and suggest that this part of the church was rebuilt after a fire in 1248. At the southern portal you can see Romanesque bestial and foliate motifs on the capitals in the jambs.

The church’s greatest treasure though is its altarpiece, carved in the Hanseatic capital, Lübeck in the 15th century.

The triptych shows the Madonna with Child at the centre, flanked by St Olav and St Antony on the right and St Catharine and St Dorothy on the left.

4. Fløyen and the Fløibanen Funicular

Fløyen and the Fløibanen Funicular

Just 150 metres from Bryggen you can catch a funicular launching you to near the top of the 425-metre Fløyen mountain in no time at all.

The Fløibanen first started running in 1918 and is Bergen’s most popular single visitor attraction.

The track is 850 metres long and the train carries you more than 300 metres up the slope in just six minutes.

When you arrive you can stand at the Fløytrappene and revel in the views over Bergen, looking over the fjords and water traffic making its way to and from the North Sea.

This can be the first step on a hike along this balcony over the city, while there’s also a restaurant and children’s playground up a broad flight of stairs.

5. Troldhaugen, Home of Edvard Grieg

Troldhaugen

Edvard Grieg, Norway’s preeminent composer, lived the final 20 years of his life at this scenic hilltop villa above Lake Nordås.

Named Troldhauden (Troll Hill), the house was designed by Grieg’s cousin Schak Bull, and was completed in 1885. Grieg spent the summers here with his wife when he was home in Norway, and would compose pieces in a little hut overlooking the lake.

In 1985 the discreet, 200-seater Troldsalen auditorium was built at the site, while a decade later a museum building was added with an exhibition about Grieg’s life and music.

Meanwhile the house is an intimate living museum, filled with the Griegs’ personal effects and complete with the Steinway grand piano Edvard received as an anniversary present in 1892.

6. KODE Art Museums

KODE 1 - Art Museum

In 2013 a group of four art institutions and cultural sites around Bergen were brought under a one umbrella named “KODE”, with a single ticket providing entry to all four attractions.

KODE 1 is for craft and design, and has a permanent exhibition of gold and silver objects produced in Bergen, as well as paintings by Old Masters, and European and Asian antiques.

KODE 2 is a contemporary art museum which at the time of writing had an exhibition for Japanese installation artist Chiharu Shiota.

KODE 3 has works from the Golden Age of Norwegian art, including paintings by Edvard Munch and Romantic artist Johan Christian Dahl.

And finally KODE 4 is an art museum, also endowed with works by Dahl, as well as Paul Klee, Picasso and Asger Jorn.

Children are welcome at KODE 4, which has the Kunstlab, in which children can discover art through play.

7. Mount Ulriken

Mount Ulriken, Bergen, Norway

The highest of Bergen’s seven mountains crests at 643 metres, and like Fløyen there’s an easy way to reach the top.

In Ulriken’s case it’s the Ulriksbanen aerial tramway, which has been ferrying people to the peak and back since 1961. At the summit there’s another exhilarating vantage point set up with telescopes, as well as a restaurant and a TV tower visible across Bergen.

If you prefer a challenge you can hike up via a system of trails, and the route most travelled begins at Montana, which can be reached on the no.

12 bus and takes about 90 minutes in good weather.

After hitting the top, hardy walkers can continue their adventure on the Vidden Trail to Fløyen.

8. Hardangerfjord

Hardangerfjord

In Bergen you’re close enough to Norway’s second longest fjord that a trip should be a no-brainer.

You’ll need at least a day to feel like you’ve scratched the surface, and fortunately the infrastructure is strong, with buses, ferries and tour companies vying to give you the best experience of a landscape of ethereal beauty.

Hardangerfjord is also Norway’s fruit orchard, as beside the water, at the base of towering walls of rock are lush apple orchards and strawberry farms.

In season you can buy apples using the honour system and visit villages with folk culture intact (embroidery, traditional fiddles). You may also want to see nature at its rawest, setting a course for almost inconceivable landforms like the iconic Trolltunga overhang (Troll’s Tongue), or the Folgefunna glacier.

9. Bergenhus Fortress

Bergenhus Fortress

In one form or another, this fortress has guarded the opening to Vågen bay since the middle of the 13th century.

The outline of this sizeable complex is from the 19th century, and it holds buildings dating to any time between the 1200s and the 1900s (German WWII bunkers). One of the oldest is the beautiful Haakon’s Hall, a ceremonial hall that went up in the mid-13th century in the reign of King Haakon IV of Norway and was used for the wedding of his son Magnus VI of Norway to Ingeborg of Denmark.

On the walls are both Romanesque and Gothic window openings, while a crow-stepped gable crowns the facade.

Amateur historians should take a self-guided tour around the fortress enclosure, discovering that German bunker, quarters for guards and the commandant, stables, batteries and the Koengen, a former depot used today for high-profile outdoor concerts in summer.

10. Rosenkrantz Tower

Rosenkrantz Tower

On Vågen bay to the south of the Bergenhus fortress is another structure of real historical value.

The Rosenkrantz Tower is named for the nobleman and governor Erik Rosenkrantz who oversaw the remodelling of the tower into one of Norway’s prime Renaissance residences in the 16th century.

The tower has been here since the late 13th century when it was a home for King Eric II of Norway, the last king to hold court in Bergen.

Rosenkrantz Tower had a real upstairs-downstairs setup, as the king and later the governor’s residence was on the top floor, while the basement was a dungeon, a role it filled all the way to the 1800s.

In the 1740s the tower’s upper levels became a gunpowder magazine, and would remain so until the 1930s.

Visitors now come to scale the dark, narrow staircase to gaze over Vågen bay from the roof.

11. Fantoft Stave Church

Fantoft Stave Church, Bergen

You can catch the Bergen Light Rail down to this reconstructed timber stave church a few kilometres south of the city centre.

The Fantoft Stave Church is originally from the village of Fortun in the Sogn district, and was erected around 1150. It was moved here in pieces in 1883 to save it from demolition.

Unfortunately in 1992 the church was burnt down in an arson attack, but was carefully rebuilt over the next five years.

The rebuilt church is a memorable sight, even of little of the original monument could be salvaged, except for the gold cross on the altar, a relic on one wall and a historic stone cross brought here from the Sola municipality.

12. Damsgård Manor

Damsgård Manor

Across the Damsgårdssundet (Damsgård Sound) is what may be the finest wooden Rococo mansion in the world.

Damsgård Manor was raised in the 1770s for the minister of war Joachim Christian Geelmuyden Gyldenkrantz at a time when aristocratic country retreats were cropping up on the outskirts of the city.

In summer the grounds are open to the public and include a Lord’s Garden and Lady’s Garden, both formal and enriched with statues, topiaries and geometric flowerbeds.

There’s also a looser English garden with undulating lawns and a pond.

As for the house, the decor has been returned to its 18th-century finery and can be seen on tours at 12:00 and 14:00, as well as 13:00 on Sundays.

13. VilVite Science Centre

Vilvite Science Centre

If you’re in Bergen with little ones and the weather isn’t cooperating, the VilVite Science Centre means fun and education in equal measure.

The centre has 75 stations, inviting children to learn by getting involved with games and interactive experiments.

Kids can become a TV presenter to give a weather forecast, steer a container ship, drill for oil and go upside down on the “G-Force”, a bicycle on a track that does a complete loop.

Nearly all of the stations are centred on the topics of energy, the ocean and the weather.

On weekends and school holidays there are also 3D movie screenings and specially organised science shows.

14. Bryggens Museum

Bryggens Museum

This museum in Bryggen owes its existence to a calamity.

In 1955 the district was struck by fire, but this gave the city a chance to conduct archaeological excavations.

The discoveries made during these digs opened a window on Medieval life and commerce in Bryggen.

They are at the core of the museum, which has been built around the 900-year-old foundations that were uncovered.

In display cases are Medieval weights, pieces of jewellery and a wealth of runic inscriptions etched into wood.

15. Fish Market

Fish Market, Bergen

At the innermost quay on Vågen bay is the spot where fishermen have been trading their catch since the 13th century.

And while today’s fish market is more geared towards tourists, it remains something you have to see when you visit Bergen.

There are outdoor stalls next to a swish new indoor hall, which is more of a culinary destination than a traditional market.

Within you could down some freshly shucked oysters with a glass of Riesling, warming fish soup, a mango-salmon roll or fried calamari, or splash out on a supreme if pricey meal.

The outdoor market’s opening hours contract in the winter, when it is only open on weekends, but in summer you have to pop by any day to be amazed by the full bounty loaded ashore from the North Sea.

15 Best Things to Do in Bergen (Norway):

  • Hanseatic Museum and Schøtstuene
  • St Mary's Church
  • Fløyen and the Fløibanen Funicular
  • Troldhaugen, Home of Edvard Grieg
  • KODE Art Museums
  • Mount Ulriken
  • Hardangerfjord
  • Bergenhus Fortress
  • Rosenkrantz Tower
  • Fantoft Stave Church
  • Damsgård Manor
  • VilVite Science Centre
  • Bryggens Museum
  • Fish Market

Inspired By Maps

Bergen In A Nutshell: 20 Unmissable Things To Do In Bergen Norway!

Posted on Last updated: December 15, 2023

Categories Norway

Bergen In A Nutshell: 20 Unmissable Things To Do In Bergen Norway!

Expert travel storyteller Jordan Adkins, founder of InspiredByMaps.com, brings a decade of adventures across 101 countries and 450+ UNESCO sites into rich, off-the-beaten-path narratives, melding ecological expertise with genuine, seasoned travel insights.

Bergen – a picturesque, harborside city in Norway is suddenly the destination everyone is talking about. With beautiful fjords, colorful houses, plentiful museums, and innovative gastronomy all served up alongside a heavy dose of Scandinavian design; there are plenty of things to do in Bergen…if you can get past the weather that is! 

Yes, there is no denying it, Bergen is allegedly either the wettest city in Europe or the entire world (depending on your internet source). You would think that much rain would put a damper on spirits, but no, these hardy Vikings have developed plenty of alternative activities for a rainy day.

The process created an international city filled with cozy coffee shops, world class-dining, twenty + museums, and plenty of other incredible attractions to fill a traveler’s calendar for weeks or months.

Of course, the weather is not that bad, and even during my visit in one of the wettest month of the year (November), there were plenty of clear days – and everybody knows how to get out and make the most of it! 

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In other good news, Bergen Airport is the second-busiest in Norway and is rather affordable and easy to reach. There are regular serves to 63 destinations and a further 26 seasonal or charter destinations during the summer. Copenhagen , Stockholm , and London are served by multiple airlines and therefore are amongst the most competitive routes – but access from Europe and North America is generally pretty easy.

That isn’t to say flight disruptions, delays, cancellations, and overbookings do not occur – as we unfortunately experienced. Thankfully there is significant EU flight delay compensation legislation in place that AirHelp, a claim management company, can help you enforce against airlines should you need to.

They ensure you get the refunds or coverage you are entitled to, with no hidden costs or upfront fees. Hopefully, you do not need their assistance, but let’s face it – air travel isn’t always perfect….

With so many things to do in Bergen, it’s important not to miss the absolute highlights, which is where this Bergen In A Nutshell guide comes in with 20 Unmissable Things You Need To Do In Bergen. Of course, there is plenty more to do – but for 3-4 days in Bergen, this should keep you very busy.

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I found the Bergen Card very useful for making the most of sightseeing in Bergen – and saved me a pretty penny during my time here, so if you want to make the most of your time (and manage your budget in advance) this could be a great option (more on this later)…

And if you have more time after completing all these things to do in Bergen, why not consider  conquering Oslo like a true Viking in only 48 hours.

Bergen Statue in Main Square - bergen norway things to do

Page Contents

1. Take the Fløibanen Funicular To Admire the Views From Mt Fløyen

2. admire the unesco world heritage-enclave of bryggen, 3. take a trip back in time at the hanseatic museum to search bergen’s rich trading history, 4. stay in the funky, modern and oh-so-cool hotel oleana, 5. dine in style at bare vestland on traditional norwegian dishes with a modern tapas twist, 6. marvel at the gothic-revival johanneskirken (st john’s church), 7. head out on an awe-inspiring fjord cruise to mostraumen, 8. marvel at the worlds biggest gingerbread city, the pepperkakebyen, 9. try classic burgers and pizza with nordic flare at no 13 restaurant, 10. spot bergen street art in hidden corners of the city, 11. sample the freshest seafood at the bergen fish market, 12.chill with a drink in the magic ice bar bergen, 13. check out one of norway’s oldest and best preserved castles at bergenhus fortress, 14. escape the inevitable rain in a scandinavian chic coffee shop, 15. see what bergen used to look like at the old bergen museum, 16. find the oldest remaining building in the whole city of bergen, st. mary church, 17. shop up a storm on the picturesque strandgaten, 18. sneak a peak of the best views in the city in the clarion collections tower, 19. learn all about  fish and the important of sustainable fisheries at the norwegian fisheries museum, 20. meet with a local, have a local meal and get closer acquainted with norwegian culture, other top attractions in bergen not to be missed if you have more time, is it worth it to get the bergen card , how to get to bergen norway.

Wait for a break in the weather and head to the Fløibanen funicular, which whisks you up to the top of Mt Fløyen every 15 minutes for the best views of Bergen.

Bonus points if you can time it for sunset, as there is genuinely nothing else like it in the world. For the more adventurous/active traveler you can save yourself some coin and hike up / down or both ways – though it’s about an hour up, and there are two pretty decent loop tracks on Mt Fløyen (1.6 km / 5 km) which take you past picturesque lakes and through the forest.

Probably best in the summer months, but the weather never keeps a true Norwegian off a hike…If you have time, why not try to do the hike from Mount Ulriken with a zip-line back down or the  epic Kjerag hike ?

People On Fløibanen Funicular bergen sightseeing

The legacy of the Hanseatic League’s trading empire dating back to the 14th century, this tangled mess of wooden buildings and walkways right on the harbor front is easily Bergen’s most iconic attraction.

Though it has been ravaged by fires many, many times over the centuries (I like to imagine they partied too hard every time), Bryggen is still the best example left remaining of the overseas Hanseatic Offices and is protected by UNESCO World Heritage Status.

Today it is filled with boutique shops, souvenirs, and cafe, but it still has plenty of charm – especially at night when the laneways are completely deserted, and you feel transported back in time.

UNESCO World Heritage Enclave of Bryggen

Never heard of the Hanseatic League? No worries – I’m sure you’re not the only one! Luckily Bergen has the fantastic Hanseatic Museum on-hand to showcase how the German merchants of the Hanseatic League lived and worked within Bryggen and examines how the complex has changed over the centuries.

The Hanseatic Museum is also housed in one of the oldest buildings in Bergen (which survived the later fires) and has been perfectly preserved, right down the real dried stockfish and creaky wooden floors!

Hanseatic Museum - What To Do in Bergen

Ideally located right off the famous Torgalmenningen square, the trendy Hotel Oleana Bergen is the only answer to the question of where to stay in Bergen!

One of the most captivating hotels I have ever stayed in, a luxury stay at the Hotel Oleana Bergen , enhances your time in Bergen by continuing the travel experience back to your hotel room with an innovative mix of Parisian Bohemian chic and Scandinavian style.

Hotel Oleana - Best Hotel in Bergen

Inspired by Bergen’s first superstar, the violinist Ole Bull, the Hotel Oleana has fun with its theme offering up 97 unique rooms and signature suites. An unforgettable stay in Bergen and a great space to escape back to when the rain inevitably comes down! Of course, if your budget does not stretch this far, I also would recommend the dorms of the YMCA Bergen Hostel. While in the wilderness of Norway, you can also try rough camping to save money , that’s just not a viable option in Bergen! 

Read my full Hotel Oleana Bergen Review here or just skip straight to the  best prices and availability on Hotel Oleana  now! 

Hotel Oleana - hotel in bergen

The best place to dine in style and experience modern fusion cuisine using traditional Norwegian ingredients. Tapas-style, the tasting menu at Bare Vestland, is raved about and will be a highlight of your trip!

If you’re just in for a quick meal, you can’t go wrong with the traditional ‘Plukkfish’: salted white fish mashed with potatoes and pickled leeks with bacon and chives on top, topped off with a local beer. Reservations are essential in the summer season as Bare Vestland is extremely popular.

Bare Vestland - bergen restaurants

The largest church in Bergen with 1250 seats – and the highest point in the city – a stop at the St John’s Cathedral is essential to admire its bright-red gothic revival exterior details or pop in to see it’s stunning interior frescoes. The surrounding neighborhood of Sydnes is rather residential and worth a wander around for more local Bergen life.

Top Things To Do In Bergen - Gothic-Revival Johanneskirken (St John's Church)

While Bergen is located in its own stunning fjord, you need to get out of town to admire the most famous natural formations in all their glory.

An easy way to do this is on a 3-hour cruise through Osterfjord to the photogenic Mostraumen strait and Modalen town, and even better, it’s available year-round. With soaring mountains, colorful villages, an ice-cold waterfall, and an onboard commentary on the history of the region, there is no better way to take in Norway’s picturesque nature in such a short amount of time directly from the Zachariasbryggen quay in central Bergen.

Be sure to bring a fully charged camera and a wind-breaking jacket – You will need both! 

Fjord Cruise to Mostraumen - bergen what to do

Sadly a visit to the world’s biggest Gingerbread City – the Pepperkakebyen in Bergen – is only a seasonal attraction. Still, if you’re visiting Bergen in the winter months, you have to go.

Recreated every year by schools and businesses around Bergen, the Pepperkakebyen runs from mid-November until the end of December, and it’s truly unique. Thousands of unique gingerbread constructions, this spectacle draws in most locals, and while designed for children, I think I enjoyed it more than any of them did!

This is something to plan your trip to Bergen around, and something the Bergen community can be proud of!

Worlds Biggest Gingerbread City, The Pepperkakebyen

If you want to enjoy a casual meal out in Bergen without breaking the bank head to No 13 Restaurant for innovative pizzas and burgers – all with fresh Nordic ingredients!

With a vibing interior and whimsical beers (seriously – ask your server to translate the names and watch their face go red!) without sky-high prices. They are most famous for their burgers of the month, and when I visited, they had a Christmas special inspired by the festive Norwegian dish, Pinnekjøtt (lamb ribs).

Christmas Trolls in Norway

More associated with historic wharves and colorful wooden houses than hidden artistic hot spots, I was surprised to find that the Bergen street art has burgeoned over the last decade, mostly thanks to a Bansky visit in 2000.

Vibrant and daring – seeking out the street art here is a fun and free thing to do in Bergen, you have to know where to look. Head to Sentralbadet to see one of Bergen’s only legal street art walls or explore around the University of Bergen or the Skostredet neighborhood to spot more creative pieces of art (or for exact locations click through to the  Bergen Street Art blog).

bergen street art - top things to do in bergen

In a country known for the quality of its seafood, you can’t visit Bergen without sampling its bounty from the seas – and there is no better place to try than the ultra-modern Bergen Fish Market with over 30 specialty shops and eateries selling small-scale Norwegian produce.

Enjoy a meal here of some of the freshest seafood anywhere in the world, or take a wander through and try spot as many weird fish species as you can. In the summer months, the surrounding area overflows with a large outdoor fish market that takes place every day, but in the winter months, there is only the iconic Mathallen Food Hall to keep you warm and dry.

One of the best things to do in Bergen, and given it’s location – you would be hard-pressed to miss it! 

Bergen Fish Market | best things to do in bergen

You can’t have a visit to Norway without snow and ice, and luckily Magic Bar Bergen is on hand with its unique hand-crafted ice bar if you can’t get your winter wonderland dream outside.

With ‘cool’ cocktails, a free welcome shot, and plenty of ice sculptures and artworks, a visit to the Magic Bar is a great thing to do in Bergen when it’s raining – or before a night out. The staff is friendly; the bar is always changing (it has to be re-carved multiple times a year) and – well, there is nothing else like it in town!

Although entry prices are higher, it is best to visit on a Friday or Saturday night when it really gets going!

Magic Ice Bar | Best Things to do in Norway

Dating back to 1240, the Bergenhus Fortress stands menacingly over the Bergen Harbour entrance and has protected its citizens faithfully for hundreds of years.

Today only a medieval hall and defensive tower remain, but it is still currently used by the Royal Norwegian Navy and around 150 military personnel stationed there. Tourists can, however, visit Haakon’s Hall and scale the Rosenkrantz Tower, which is open to the public, and be on the lookout for the frequent concerts that take place here during the summer, which are a favorite of the locals.

Bergenhus Fortress | bergen what to see

In a city with its fair share of rain, it’s no wonder that a gloriously cozy coffee culture has developed here. Though the best places seem to be slightly hidden on side streets and down, unassuming staircases seeking them out will lead to a far better experience than the large touristy Starbucks off the main harbor.

My favorites were the minimalist-chic Kaffemisjonen just off the harbor or Kaffebrenneri, which has an on-site coffee roastery. Of course, Det Lille Kaffekompaniet (DLK) should also be top of your list if you can find it on the sloping hillside between wooden houses (and it’s outdoor space is truly beautiful in the summer!).

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If the historic streets of Bryggen aren’t enough, you can hop on a bus and head only 15 minutes out of town, and yet somehow hundreds of years back on time!

The open-air Old Bergen Museum is a perfectly reconstructed small town consisting of around 50 buildings from the 18th – 20th century moved here from around Bergen and Norway. Become truly immersed in a different time and get an idea of what it must have been like to walk the steep streets of Bergen when it was Europe’s largest wooden city.

With breath-taking views back to the modern city, plenty of fresh air, and nostalgia-filled actors during the summer months a trip to the Old Bergen Museum is a must-visit location in Bergen.

Old Bergen Museum | day trips from bergen norway

The oldest church – and building – in the city of Bergen dating back to 1140, the St. Mary Church is the only one of the 12 original churches built in the period to remain today. Ravaged by fires multiple times over the decades (but what wasn’t in Bergen it seems!), the St Mary’s Church was most recently renovated and reopened in 2015.

It’s Romanesque two-towered, three-naved design is at the least worth a walk-by, but you really should try to get in during opening houses to see its glorious interior. The different shades of soapstone and admire the Baroque decorative art said to be amongst the best in Norway.

St. Mary Church | Oldest Building in Bergen

Filled with  Scandinavian-chic design and beautiful window displays that are sure to entice you in – the Strandgaten cobble-stone street is the perfect place for some light retail therapy.

With everything from small-designer boutique to full-scale department stores – and everything in between – shopping in Bergen is the perfect way to escape a spot of bad weather and admire all the beautiful minimalist products these cunning Vikings have designed.

Be careful; however, their eye for design is spot on, and you will quickly find yourself taking home far more than you planned!

Other great streets for shopping in Bergen include Kløverhuset, Galleriet, and Bergen Storsenter. It’s not quite as good as the Turku or Tallinn design scene, but I still had a great time poking around and window shopping.

Shopping Street in Bergen | The Picteresque Strandgaten

So I’m not even sure if I should tell you this secret (and was warned maybe not to include it here for everyone to see!), but I did check with the front desk, and he reassured me the hotel has no worries with tourists finding out that the best view of old Bergen is to be had in the Clarion Collections Tower right next to the historic Bryggen.

To access the Clarion Collections Tower head to the hotel front desk and ask very nicely, they will hand you an electronic swipe card to access the elevator, and you will quickly be rewarded with 360° panorama shots and the best views of old Bergen.

Try not to visit in large groups and be discrete; however, I don’t need any emails from the  Clarion Collection Hotel Havnekontoret asking me to remove this!

Best Views in The City | The Clarion Collections Tower

Norway today is synonymous with oil and fish. While Bergen has yet to get an oil museum, you can luckily learn all about the fascinating relationship Norway has with fisheries at the newly renovated Norwegian Fisheries Museum.

While you might expect this place to be only for children, it is one of the most cutting-edge museums in Bergen and well-worth the visit for the in-depth look at the history and contemporary context of Norway’s marine harvest and fishing throughout the ages (including the great cod collapse of the 1980s).

A truly fascinating deep dive into an industry many don’t give a second thought to, made all the more wonderful as it is located in a historic wooden warehouse on the waterfront filled with interactive exhibits.

The Norwegian Fisheries Museum | bergen norway sightseeing

A cheesy one to be sure, but, indeed, today’s Norwegians are not quite the bloody-thirst marauders from which they are descended – but rather shy and quiet.

One of the top things you can do in Bergen is take the time to talk to them, ask about their lives and let them open up about their fascinating city and country…. Trust me, they are warm, caring and extremely funny people underneath their often emotionless exterior (I put that down to the weather!). One of the highest honors you can receive here is being invited to a locals house – as I was – where you might get to try the best Pinnekjøt of your life.

Either way, make an effort to chat with the locals here whenever you can, and you will quickly fall in love with Bergen and Norway as fast as I did!

traditional meal in Bergen - Pinnekjøt

Of course, there are far more than 20 unmissable things you need to do when you visit Bergen, and when you visit, you are sure to find your favorites.

If you need some more inspiration, however, here are a few places I was not able to get to during my stay – in part due to poor planning, seasonality and a lack of time – that I would have loved to visit and will hopefully be returning soon to see and experience.

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  • Norway in a Nutshell – A rail and ferry round-trip taking you to see the absolute best of Norway’s most beautiful fjord scenery. Truly breath-taking, I am kicking myself so hard for not having planned enough time for this!
  • Fantoft Stave Church – Reconstructed after the original was destroyed by (you guessed it) fire, this magical church in the woods is the perfect place to live out your Frozen fantasies…
  • The Costal Museum in Øygarden – A modern museum in a stunning natural location following the lives of Øygarden’s coastal inhabitants from the ice age until today. Highlights include a tour of oil and gas facilities and seeing working salmon farm pens.
  • North Sea Traffic Museum – A beautiful museum exploring the history of trading in the North Sea and Bergen.
  • Bergen Maritime Museum – Dating from 1914, this museum contains plenty of amazing ships, boats & films about Norway’s proud seafaring past.

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In my mind, there is no doubt the Bergen Card is a great way to visit Bergen and keep your costs down, but of course, it does depend on how you are going to use it. I would have spent around three times more over my 72-hour visit without the card, but of course, usage can vary!

With free or discounted access to almost every museum in town (and there are a lot), free public transport access within Bergen City, and discounts at restaurants and other attractions, for 90% of travelers, this is going to be the best option.

Bergen In A Nutshell: 20 Unmissable Things You Need To Do In Bergen Norway!

Many museums do not require more than an hour, so costs can quickly add up if you are hopping between places, and I enjoyed not having to count pennies every time I wanted to use the bus or light rail – even if it was just for a few stops.

The Bergen Card can be purchased online and used right from the newly built light-rail option at the Bergen Airport terminal directly into Central Bergen, making everything nice and comfortable.

 You can find a full list of the Bergen Card inclusions here and purchase through the same link.

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Long gone are the days of arduous journeys via sea to reach the remote trading outpost of Bergen, today Bergen Airport offers air connections to 58 destinations with an additional 22 seasonal destinations mainly across Europe.

The largest international airlines are Scandinavian Airlines and Norwegian Air, with a growing number of flights to Eastern Europe from Wizz Airlines. Norwegian also offers an incredibly cheap flight from New York’s Stewart Airport, which is being hailed as one of the biggest shake-ups in the Trans-Atlantic flight market in decades if that is an option.

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Bergen is also a significant hub of domestic travel within Norway for both flights, rail, and boats, so getting around should not be a problem. The train to Oslo is a six-hour odyssey through snow-capped mountains and fjords which is worth it for the scenery alone, and not too expensive if booked 60 days in advance when ticket sales for Norway trains go on sale – or why not tick off a bucket-list item with the  Norway in a Nutshell trip on the way.

If you are on an extended trip through-out Norway, a  Eurail Norway Ticket  will be well worth it, giving you flexibility and can lead to massive savings if used properly. You can also get a scenic ferry from Bergen – Stavanger for a crazy €25, and regular ferries are heading up or down the stunning coastline if you have the time to see more of Norway (which I highly recommend you do!)

SAS Plane At Airport

So there you have it! Bergen In A Nutshell. I truly fell head-over-heels in love with Bergen and found it had something to offer for everyone. With the help of the Bergen Card , it was pretty easy to manage my budget, and of course, there are a plethora of beautiful and unique attractions to visit here.

Summer or winter, foodie, or culture vulture – A trip to Bergen is guaranteed to be an unforgettable visit filled with historical charm and cosmopolitan vibes that will have you begging to stay longer! Go on, book your holiday now, you won’t regret it!

A special thanks to Visit Bergen for helping me with my stay, including plenty of great local hints and tips that you can find included above and the unique Hotel Oleana Bergen for hosting me. As always, all opinions are my own, and I would have loved Bergen regardless! 

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Guide to Bergen: Norway’s historic mountain city and heart of the fjords

It’s a stepping-stone to Norway’s spectacular fjord country, brimming with rich historical heritage from the Middle Ages and home to the world’s biggest gingerbread town. 

Honestly, what’s not to love about Bergen , Norway’s second largest city? 

Well, okay , maybe its reputation as one of the rainiest cities in Europe. But if you have a raincoat and aren’t scared of a few muddy puddles, you’ll fall in love with Bergen’s bustling wharf, cobble-stoned streets and quaint mountainous charm that mixes so perfectly with its vibrant, festival-loving vibe.

In fact, you’d be forgiven for wanting to rip up your plane ticket home and lose yourself amongst the hiking trails, glaciers, waterfalls and islands that surround the charming Norwegian city.

And lose yourself you could, with such majestic scenery.

Where is Bergen?

It’s on the southwestern coast of Norway, nestled amongst glorious mountain terrain and sheltered from the North Sea by a group of islands. You can reach it by plane from Oslo in less than an hour or enjoy a scenic drive across the country from the capital, which takes about six to eight hours.

The city is perched on a harbour, with Bryggen (the old wharf with its row of colourful buildings, which also happens to be Bergen’s biggest tourist attraction) overlooking the water.

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A city immersed in nature: Mountains, fjords, harbour-side living

So much about Bergen is influenced by its geography and landscape.

The name ‘Bergen’ actually comes from the Old Norse word ‘Bjørgvin’, which translates to “the meadow among the mountains”, a beautiful testament to the natural wonders surrounding the city.

There are seven mountains in particular that are well-known:

—Ulriken (643 metres or 2,109 feet) —Fløyen (400 metres or 1,312 feet) —Løvstakken (477 metres or 1,565 feet) —Damsgårdsfjellet (350 metres or 1,148 feet) —Sandviksfjellet (417 metres or 1,368 feet) —Lyderhorn (396 metres or 1,299 feet), and —Rundemanen (560 metres or 1,837 feet).

These mountains offer spectacular views and great hiking, and interestingly they’re also part of the reason behind its reputation for rain — apparently mountains force moist air to rise and form into clouds and Bergen’s got at least seven!

But don’t be discouraged by the weather. Bergen actually boasts one of the more temperate climates in Norway, making it a much warmer destination than Oslo in winter.

Some of the most breathtaking Norwegian fjords can be found within day-tripping distance from the city, hence its nickname as ‘Gateway to the Fjords’ and why it serves as the perfect base for travellers wanting to explore Norway’s wondrous waterways.

There are various tour companies operating out of Bergen that can take you on adventures through fjord-country, or you can do it yourself with a map and some local tips — either way, you truly need to see the fjords up close to understand what all the fuss is about.

Then there’s the harbour. The beating heart of the city.

It’s the historic centre of trade, a haven for boats seeking protection from the ocean and a busy port for cruise ships, bustling with visitors. Its wharf is the face that greets you from postcards and holiday snaps — all those pretty colourful wooden buildings overlooking the water and beckoning you in.

Bergen is a special place no doubt. But not just to the people who live there, but to all of Norway, thanks to its important historical legacy.

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A history of Bergen: The capital of Norway and office of the Hanseatic League

It might be full of small-town charm but there’s no forgetting Bergen in the history books, and with good reason. It has played a key role in Norway’s monarchy, politics and trade since the early middle ages , standing strong through good times and bad.

The story of Bergen begins around 1070 when it was founded by the King of Norway, Olav Kyrre .

It went on to become a place of significance to the Norwegian throne and church, with Magnus Erlingsson first crowned in Bergen in 1163. A handful of succeeding kings were crowned there after him, and it even served as the capital of Norway until it was replaced by Oslo in 1299.

One of its greatest legacies from history is the seaport, which became a hub of activity for traders and merchants, and an important place for the Hanseatic League.

In fact, it was one of the four Hanseatic quarters, holding a position as a sort of foreign office for the group from approximately 1360 until 1754. The Hansa influence on the city was monumental, so much so that there is a Hanseatic Museum dedicated to this time period in Bergen.

The city has burned down multiple times in the last 500 years (it’s no wonder with all those wooden buildings), with one particular fire in 1702 reducing the city to ashes.

But there is something about the people and culture of this city that endures. Each time they’ve rebuilt and even managed to maintain the integrity and style of many of the original buildings, including those at Bryggen.

Bergen experienced further heartache during the Second World War, when the city was occupied on the first day of the Nazi invasion in 1940.

Though it fared better than other Norwegian cities, this was still a dark time for Bergen with much death and destruction. But, as always, the people of Bergen endured, and a strong resistance movement rose up. You can learn more about this at the Bergenhus Fortress Museum .

Experiencing Bergen’s rich historical legacy for yourself

The great thing about Bergen is that there are loads of museums and old parts of the city, so just a simple stroll around town and you’re in the thick of history.

Bryggen is on the UNESCO’s World Heritage List and is one of the city’s main attractions. Despite the fact that much of it was destroyed during the great fire of 1702, it was rebuilt according to the original foundations, so much of it is still as it was.

Another must-do is the famous Bergen Fish Market, which is open every day and sells seafood as well as local fruit and vegetables. It’s been going since the 1200s (yes, really) and is an iconic legacy from a city that has thrived for hundreds of years on its seafaring and seafood trading industries.

Other places of interest include the Hanseatic Museum, the Bergenhus Fortress Museum, the Bryggen’s Museum, the Leprosy Museum, the Maritime Museum and Haakon’s Hall. And if you’re looking for the oldest building in Bergen, it’s the St Mary’s Church, which is from the twelfth century.

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The city of Bergen today: Where festival season goes all year long

There are now over 280,000 people in the city and thanks to the University of Bergen, students make up roughly 10% of the population. So, there’s definitely a modern buzz and youthful energy to the city, which perfect complements the historical nature and small-town charm.

There’s a thriving arts and music scene in Bergen. They boast one of the world’s oldest symphony orchestras and also Norway’s first national theatre.

Many successful artists have called Bergen home, including the famous composer Edvard Grieg, and more recently, musicians such as Kygo, Kings of Convenience and Sissel Kyrkjebø.

The city and its people love their festivals so much that they host roughly 60 different concerts and festivals every year. While you can catch a variety of food and beer festivals, music festivals seem to be the most popular, filling up the calendar all year long.

Jazz, metal, contemporary, rock — you name it, there seems to be a music festival for every genre. One of the most popular is Bergenfest , a music festival which goes over four days every year and is held at the iconic Bergenhus Fortress.

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A closer look at the famous fjords surrounding Bergen

The fjords of Norway are famous all around the world.

Snaking in and out of the countryside and surrounded by magnificent cliffs, they were formed over millions of years by retreating glaciers. These valleys filled with seawater and thus some of Norway’s most compelling landscape was born.

There are over one-thousand fjords scattered throughout Norway and the Bergen region is the perfect place to visit them. In fact, Bergen sits about halfway between two of the most magnificent fjords in Western Norway:

Known fondly as the ‘King of the Fjords’, it’s north of Bergen and is actually the longest (over 200 kilometres) and deepest (at its deepest it goes more than 1,300 metres) fjord in Norway.

The end of the Sognefjord is covered by Jostedalsbreen, the biggest glacier in continental Europe. One of its arms, the Nærøyfjord, is on the UNESCO’s World Heritage List. Both of these are worth a visit.

Find things to do and places to stay in Sognefjord.

Hardangerfjord

This beauty lies roughly south-east of Bergen and is renowned for the orchards in the region — if you visit in spring you may be lucky enough to see them in full blossom. It covers two national parks, and includes sights of glaciers and waterfalls.

Venturing through Hardangerfjord offers stunning views of the Vøringsfossen (Norway’s biggest waterfall) as well as the Hardangervidda Nature Centre in Eidfjord.

Find things to do and places to stay in Hardangerfjord.

How to see and make the most of Bergen’s surrounding fjords

A daytrip from Bergen by boat, bus, train or car, (sometimes a combination of them) will take you through some of the most stunning fjord-landscape, scattered with beautiful islands, waterfalls, glaciers and mountains.

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How to get from Oslo to Copenhagen: Your options

If you’re wanting to really soak up the beauty, you might even decide to do a longer trip with an overnight stay somewhere along the way.

There are lots of activities you can choose from in the area. You can take a relaxing cruise, enjoy mountain and glacier hiking , go skiing, cycle along the fjord arms, fish the coastline or get your adrenaline up with white-water rafting.

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Why Bergen is a hiker’s haven

With mountains galore, Bergen is a popular destination for hiking enthusiasts and anyone wanting to feel on top of the world. With over seven different mountains, you could stay for weeks and still have exciting new terrain to cover.

But if you’re short on time or just looking for the most convenient hike, Mount Fløyen is probably the best choice. You can easily do it straight from the Bergen city centre, and the route is fairly straightforward. There are even shops and restaurants at the top, as well as an amazing lookout.

For anyone not feeling up to the walk, the Floibanen Funicular rail can take you to the top.

Bergen at Christmas: The world’s largest gingerbread city

If you’re lucky enough to visit Bergen in late November or December, you’re in for a treat. Quite literally. Because every year the people of Bergen bake and build their very own gingerbread town (pepperkakebyen), which is actually the largest one in the world.

It’s quite remarkable, and extremely detailed — it’s a miniature version of Bergen, all the way down to the little gingerbread houses, cars and ships.

If you’re feeling merry, there’s also the Bergen Christmas Market that’s held in the city centre and definitely worth a visit. It’s full of holiday-themed food and music, and even has a ferris wheel.

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When is the best time to visit Bergen?

It’s a popular destination in the summer months, between May and September. Obviously, the temperatures are nicer, and the Norwegian countryside and fjord territory are at their most lush.

Alternatively, if you visit Bergen in December you can experience all the festivity and goodness of a classic Norwegian Christmas in a city that loves to celebrate!

Meanwhile, if you’d rather avoid the rain (as best as you can in the rainiest city in Europe) then consider visiting in May . This is usually the driest time of year in Bergen, although it still gets a lot of rain, just not as much as other months.

Bergen has plenty of great hotel options if you are looking for overnight accommodation.

Getting to Bergen from Oslo

If you’re driving, catching a train, or taking the bus, the trip from Oslo to Bergen can take between six and a half to eight hours, depending on whether it’s winter or summer. It can be a beautiful trip, taking you along stunning coastline, forest and mountain terrain.

Meanwhile, flying from Oslo to Bergen airport is very easy and convenient.

The flight is just under one-hour and there are usually lots of flights out of Oslo. Getting from the airport to the Bergen city centre is also pretty simple with the option of the Bergen Light Rail (takes about 45 minutes) or the Airport Bus (takes about 30 minutes).

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How to come prepared for Bergen’s rainy weather

There’s no hiding the rain when talking about Bergen. It’s a simple fact of life for the locals who just get on with things — reminiscent of their attitude all throughout history.

But as long as you come prepared, there’s no need to let the rain dampen your spirits.

There is a Norwegian saying that you might hear on your travels: “There’s no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothes.”

This no-nonsense approach is so beautifully Norwegian and speaks for itself, really. The kind of advice that makes you pause and remember that the Scandinavians have been living and loving life in the Nordic region since the Ice Age. Throughout the harshest of conditions, often without complaint.

So, when packing: waterproof boots and a good rain or leather jacket are a must. Umbrellas are handy. A rain cover for your backpack (especially if you’re hiking) is a good idea.

When the skies open up, find a café to snuggle up in or a museum to wander around, then wait for the sun to come back. When you’re gazing out at the most magical view you’ve ever seen, you won’t regret it.

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12 Interesting Things to Do in Bergen, Norway

Known for being one of the most expensive countries in the world, Norway is also one of the most beautiful holiday destinations.

There is a large number of amazing cities, towns, and villages inside its borders and Bergen is one of them.

Surrounded by spectacular fjords and imposing hills, Norway’s former capital is waiting for travelers, with excellent history and art museums, inviting cafes and restaurants, mesmerizing views, and a bustling nightlife.

Since it is a small city, spending three days in Bergen allows you to see its main attractions without having to run from one place to another.

Just relax, enjoy the vacation, and indulge in the Norwegian beauty and mouth-watering cuisine.

Here are the best things to do in Bergen during your three-day escape.

Don’t leave home without: Lonely Planet Norway (Travel Guide)

12 Things to Do in Bergen, Norway

Table of Contents

1. Explore Bergen by Foot: The Charming Old Quarter

Old town central in Bergen, Norway

One of the first things to do in Bergen is visiting its old quarter. Wander around the delightful wooden alleys of Bryggen and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere.

Admire the old, quirky buildings, and browse the interesting shops and boutiques.

Explore the neighborhood freely, without using a map and let its hidden gems surprise you.

If time permits you, you will want to come back to this lovely place that instantly connects you to the city’s fascinating past.

The best way to explore the old quarter is with this 2.5 hour guided walking tour .

Explore charming wooden streets and historic sights like St. Mary’s Church; Vågen harbor; and the Bryggen quarter, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Your guide will be sure to give you a taste of contemporary life as well. 

2. Enjoy Cafe-Hopping

While strolling the lovely streets of Bryggen, you will notice the inviting cafes and restaurants.

Since you are on vacation, relaxing is one of your main purposes, so take a coffee break from time to time.

If you feel the desire to enter Starbucks and order a complicated drink, ignore it and look for an independent café.

There are many options and the charming Kaffemisjonen is just one of them.

With a simple, Nordic design, a cozy atmosphere, and one of the best lattes in Bergen, Kaffemisjonen will instantly satisfy your caffeine need.

Stopping here will give you the chance to enjoy a break from sightseeing and spend time with the locals.

Book a local guide to experience local food and local stories on this great walking tour .

You’ll visit two tourist attractions and the three other stops are local, hidden gems.

The whole tour is in the old part of town and the length and the pace makes it an easy walk.

You’ll get insight into local life, history, and of course our traditional food culture.

3. Get in Touch with Art at the KODE

KODE in Bergen, Norway

Whether you are an art enthusiast or you just want to catch a glimpse of Bergen’s artistic spirit, visiting KODE will complete your first day of sightseeing.

Hosting the biggest art and design collection in Scandinavia, the museum offers you the chance to explore four buildings filled with artistic treasures.

Take your time and enjoy inspiring modern art and contemporary exhibitions.

A dmire Edvard Munch’s works, and praise the famous Singer art as well as the national silver collections.  

4. Visit One of Norway’s Iconic Monuments of the Renaissance: The Rosenkrantz Tower

Things to do in Bergen norway

After a first day filled with wandering around and exploring art, you should dedicate the second to studying Bergen’s history.

One of the best things to do in Bergen is visiting the famous Rosenkrantz Tower.

Built to demonstrate the power over the Hanseatic merchants and to defend the city, the famous Rosenkrantz Tower is one of the most important monuments in the Norwegian Renaissance era.

In addition to its historical importance, the landmark offers you a unique chance to admire spectacular views.

So, climb the stairs until you reach its roof and delight in the picturesque views.

5. Catch a Glimpse of Bergen’s Dark Past: The Leprosy Museum

Bergen’s Dark Past: The Leprosy Museum

Many consider The Leprosy Museum a dark place and for good reasons. However, it should definitely be on your list of things to do in Bergen.

Check out the history of patient rights and learn about Norway’s contribution to leprosy research.

In addition, admire the collection of the History of Medicine. To have a memorable visit, consider taking a guided tour.

6. Check Out One of the Oldest Fortress in Norway: The Bergenhus Fortress

Bergenhus Fortress in Norway

Located in the central area of the city, the Bergenhus Fortress is one of the oldest and best-preserved fortresses in Norway.

Wander around the several floors of this former Royal residence of the kings of Norway, admire the displays, and learn about the Norwegian military history.

This museum is not only very interesting but also free of charge.

7. Visit the Highest of Bergen’s Famous ‘Seven Mountains’: Mount Ulriken    

Funicular cable on Mount Ulriken, Bergen, Norway

Located a few kilometers far from Bergen, the Ulriken cable car takes you to the top of the highest of its Famous ‘Seven Mountains’.

The ride is exciting and the views from the top are spectacular.

If you want to take memorable photos, you should go early in the day, to catch a perfect light.

Tickets include a transfer from Bergen’s city center. But if you don’t want to pay for a cable car ride, you can also hike up the mountain.

Just keep in mind that it might take a long time so can be very tiring.

The Vidden Trail is one of Bergen’s most rewarding day hikes, a mountaintop trail that runs from peak to peak, between Mt Ulriken and Mt Floyen.

On this tour, ride the cable car to the top of Mt Ulriken and set out on a guided half-day hike along the famous trail.

Along the way, admire spectacular views over the mountains and fjords around Bergen, and stop to enjoy a picnic lunch (bring your own) on the mountaintop.

8. Enjoy an Exciting Funicular Ride to the Top of Mount Floibanen

View from Mount Floibanen, Bergen, Norway

Whether you want to ride the 26-degree Floibanen funicular, or you prefer walking up the paved path, climbing the mesmerizing Mount Floibanen will enhance your holiday in Bergen.

The funicular departs every 15 minutes and promises an exciting ride. However, climbing by foot is free of charge.

The choice depends on your budget and the time you have left.

Don’t forget to bring: Lonely Planet Norway (Travel Guide)

9. Eat Your Way Around Bergen

David Stock eating fish n chips in Norway

Known for their fresh local ingredients, the Norwegian dishes will make your taste buds go wild.

You just have to avoid the tourist traps and eat in good local places.

Located near the beautiful Bryggen, Bergen’s fish market is a great starting point for your culinary experience.

Wander around the stalls and grab a bite to eat. However, the market does not sell only fish and keep in mind that it is a tourist attraction, so the products are not the cheapest.

Bastant Stolegaten is another place where you can get closer to Norwegian cuisine.

Stunning fjord restaurant on a day trip from Bergen

The cold climate makes soups a popular dish among the locals. So, eating in a soup bar is a fantastic idea.

Though Norway is not famous for its vegetarian dishes, if you don’t eat meat, you will love this place.

There are also delicious alternatives for those who aren’t big soup or veggie fans.

If you want to eat in a high-end restaurant, To Kokker is waiting for you with perfectly cooked traditional dishes.

Located in an old house, in Bryggen, this restaurant makes you feel like you are traveling back in time.

Wondering what to order? Well, its rich menu can make deciding difficult. But everybody seems to love and recommend the delicious mussel soup and the oven-baked cod.

In addition to the outstanding dishes, the service is flawless and the staff is very friendly, creating a warm atmosphere.

Keep in mind that this is not a budget-friendly restaurant but the authentic taste of the food makes both locals and travelers happily pay a bit more than other places in town.

Best Day Trips from Bergen

Fjord in Norway from Bergen

Bergen is a great city where you can relax, enjoy plenty of sightseeing, as well as spend time in the middle of nature.

However, if you plan to have a longer vacation, besides making a list of the best things to do in Bergen, you should also consider adding a few great day trips available from the city.

10. Explore the Mesmerizing Fjords of Norway

Geirganger Fjord in norway

The charming city of Bergen is situated between Sognefjorden and Hardangerfjorden. So, if time permits, don’t miss the chance to explore these natural wonders.

Whether you choose to join a tour or you prefer renting a car, you will enjoy a half-day trip filled with memorable scenic experiences.

Discover Norway’s incredible natural beauty on this 6-hour excursion from Bergen . Join your guide in a comfortable Mercedes minivan and visit stunning fjords, waterfalls, villages, and more.

As you travel, your guide will introduce you to Norwegian music and share information about local history and culture. Don’t miss the chance to cross a fjord by ferry before your tour concludes.

11. Spend a Relaxing Day in the Middle of Nature: Hiking at Balestrand

Lake with the Balestrands in the background

Known for its spectacular vegetation and colorful wooden houses, the most beautiful of the Sognefjord’s villages are waiting for all hiking enthusiasts.

Prepare for a relaxing day in a fairy-tale location, far from the busy streets of the city. Walk within the village of Balestrand and adventure into hiking the trails of its surrounding hills.

12. Have Fun in a Winter Wonderland: A Day in Voss

Skng in Voss Norway

If you visit Bergen in winter, you must save a day for going to the largest ski destination in western Norway.

Known as an important center for extreme sports, Voss is a winter wonderland for adventurous travelers and adrenaline junkies.

Where to Stay in Bergen

Things to do in Bergen Norway

Since it’s a great tourist destination, Bergen offers a good selection of accommodation, covering all budgets. If you plan a lavish vacation, staying in a high-end hotel like Radisson Blu Royal will definitely enhance your trip.

With comfortable rooms, a lovely bar, and a deluxe restaurant, Radisson Blu will satisfy your deepest desires.

To relax, take advantage of the amazing Health Club where you can find saunas and all kinds of machines that will help you unwind.

Travelers who want to live like a real Bergenser should search for a local guesthouse. Centrally located and fairly priced,  Marken Guesthouse is a good choice. With a simple Scandinavian design, the rooms are very comfortable indeed.

More on Norway:

  • Trolltunga Hike in Norway: The Only Guide You Need
  • 10 Epic Things to Do in Tromsø, Norway
  • 13 Fun Things to do in Trondheim, Norway
  • Visiting Nordkapp Norway: Everything You Need to Know
  • 35 Epic Norway Pictures to Inspire Your Next Trip
  • Choosing A Norway Cruise: Essential Tips & Advice
  • 10 Reasons to Take a Norway Fjords Cruise with G Adventures
  • Hiking in Norway: 7 Incredible Hikes to Try

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Lina is an award-winning photographer and writer that has been exploring the world since 2001. She has traveled to 100 countries on all 7 continents. Member: SATW, NATJA, ATTA, ITWA

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19 Fantastic Experiences In Beautiful Bergen, Norway

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  • Destinations

Originally called Bjorgvin, the city of Bergen was founded by King Olaf III Haraldsson in 1070. Today, modern Bergen is known as the gateway to the fjords. One of the most beautiful cities in Norway, Bergen is a mix of old-world charms and a thriving metropolis.

The mountains surrounding Bergen are responsible for the micro-climate that produces over 195 days of rainfall per year. And yes, it rained while we were there. Bergen was the last port on our Norwegian Homelands Cruise, so we made the most of our time there, even in the rain.

Bryggen Wharf; Bergen, Norway

1. Bryggen Wharf

In the historical district of Bryggen Wharf , parallel rows of small, vibrantly painted buildings flank narrow wooden walkways, once the homes and warehouses of past merchants, today a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Home to Bergen’s only Hanseatic League trading enclave in existence, these 62 distinctive structures are the only thing left after numerous fires that have ravaged Bergen since the 18 th century. Bryggen is a historical window into Norway’s maritime legacy and architectural traditions.

Haakon's Hall; Bergen, Norway

2. Haakon’s Hall

Haakon’s Hall was a medieval stone castle built as a royal residence and banquet hall, constructed in the middle of the 13 th century during the reign of King Hakon Hakonsson (1217-1263). This massive stone hall, the most prominent royal palace building in Bergen, was near where our Viking Venus ship docked at Bergen’s harbor.

Rosenkrantz Tower; Bergen, Norway

3. Rosenkrantz Tower

The castle governor Erik Rosenkrantz constructed the stark grey Rosenkrantz Tower next to Haakon’s Hall in the 16 th century. The five-story building served as a fortified royal residence in the political center of Bergen. Descend the narrow stone steps to the basement chambers and former dungeon, or climb the narrow staircase to the top for great city views.

Den Nationale Scene; Bergen, Norway

4. Den Nationale Scene

The National Theatre is the oldest and largest permanent theatre in Norway. Opened in 1850 under the name Del Norske Theater, the hall originates back to the founding initiative of the Norwegian violinist Ole Bull .

Created to develop Norwegian playwrights, Henrik Ibsen was one of the theatre’s first writers-in-residence and art directors. In 2001, the building was restored and today houses three stages presenting up to 20 productions annually.

The Hanseatic Museum in Bergen, Norway

5. The Hanseatic Museum And Schotstuene

The Hanseatic merchants from Northern Germany sailed into Bergen in the 13 th century, exchanging grain for stockfish from Northern Norway, making Bergen one of Northern Europe’s most important trading hubs for centuries. Today, the Hanseatic Museum and the Schotstuene, the last Hanseatic assembly room in the world, have been part of UNESCO’s World Heritage Site since 1979.

Explore Hanseatic merchants’ lives, their unique trading network, and the culture and economic significance amid the collection of 62 preserved buildings. The Schotstuene assembly rooms are beside St. Mary’s Church, the Hanseatic Merchants’ main church.

Nordnes Peninsula in Bergen, Norway

6. Nordnes Peninsula

Nordnes is a peninsula and neighborhood in the city center of Bergen, with several clusters of wooden houses and narrow alleys. You’ll find the Bergen Aquarium on the tip of the peninsula. The parish church Nykirken, the Norwegian Institute of Marine Research, and Frederiksberg Fortress are on Nordnes.

Take the 2-hour unique walking tour of Nordnes to see the homes of wealthy Norwegian merchants of the Hanseatic League of Bryggen. At the end of the peninsula, a monument commemorates the site of Bergen’s witchcraft trials. On the other side of Nordnes, a working-class sailor’s district grew, with beer pubs in hidden alleys and over 300 small inns. Be ready to walk on cobblestone streets and stairs leading down steep hills.

The view of Bergen from Mount Floyen

7. Mount Floyen

Take the 6-minute funicular railway trip to the top of Mount Floyen for spectacular views of the surrounding vistas of Bergen. Check out the Floistuen Shop and Café for coffee, hot chocolate, a cold drink, and a freshly baked pastry. Shop for candles, unique gifts, and more.

8. Skomakerdiket Lake

Walk 10 minutes from the top of Mount Floyen for free canoeing and paddle board rentals all summer at Skomakerdiket Lake . Rent mountain bikes for scenic views of Bergen, or hike the mysterious troll forest in the evenings since the sun turns them into stone. Rain or fog makes the troll experience more exciting.

Pastries at Ovre Eide; Norway

9. Ovre Eide, A Taste Of Norwegian Farm Life

We enjoyed a taste of Norwegian farm life when we visited Ovre Eide, situated on the shores of beautiful Jordal Lake. Surrounded by green fields and majestic scenery, we walked up the drive with our umbrellas in the light rain to see the Norwegian fjord horses and Norwegian spel sheep and learn about the farm’s history.

In the beautiful main house, we were seated at long family-style tables and enjoyed homemade almond pralines, pastries with berries and cream, fresh juices, coffee, tea, and hot chocolate. The owner and family joined us dressed in traditional native bonad attire for musical entertainment.

Edvard Grieg statue; Bergen, Norway

10. Grieg Hall

Located on Edvard Griegs’ square in Bergen, Grieg Hall is a 1,500-seat concert hall named for Bergen-born composer Edvard Grieg, who served as music director of the Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra from 1880 to 1882. The beehives on the roof and the honey production have become a symbol of serious sustainability.

The Edvard Grieg house in Bergen, Norway

11. Grieg’s House And Recital

Before the Grieg concert at Troldhaugen, you will explore Edvard and his wife Nina’s home, which Edvard built as a summer home where they lived for 22 years. Edvard is probably Norway’s most famous composer, and his wife Nina, a celebrated soprano, fell in love and were engaged in 1865. He gave her four songs with lyrics by his good friend Hans Christian Andersen, including the song, I Love You . They married in 1867. You’ll learn more about their life together and enjoy the Grieg piano concert afterward.

Fantoft Stave Church, Norway

12. Fantoft Stave Church

The old Fantoft Stave Church was built in Fortun in 1170 and moved to Fantoft in 1883. The church, made from the timber of 350- to 400-year-old pine trees, is open for visitors during summer, rebuilt after a fire in 1992. The only remaining objects from the original church are the wish stone, placed inside the wall, and the cross at the altar.

The author's Dale sweater

13. Dale, A Living Museum

Enjoy a guided tour of the Dale Museum , where Dale’s official Olympic and World Championship sweaters are made and sold. A collection of these sweaters from 1956 to the present are on display. The factory has operated since 1879, surviving devastating fires, two world wars, floods, a depression, and several pandemics. In 1967, the factory started machine knitting the sweaters. Before that, Norwegian homemakers from across the country hand-knitted the sweaters.

14. Flight Seeing Over Fjords & Glaciers

Soar over the stunning snow-capped mountains, the beautiful fjords, and the fantastic Folgefonna, one of the largest glaciers in Norway, via a Cessna four-seater seaplane or a helicopter. You’ll see the Hardangerfjord, the world’s fifth longest fjord known as the Queen of the fjords, icy blue glacier lakes, the mighty Mount Ulriken, and the city of Bergen. Take in the remarkable Hardanger Bridge, a suspension bridge that forms part of the route from Bergen to Olso.

15. Arven, Norwegian Gold, And Silversmiths

For over 150 years, Arven has handcrafted unique gold and silver jewelry, silverware, and interior design pieces in the historical setting behind Bryggen, between St. Mary’s Church and Bergenhus Fortress. Arven partners with some of Norway’s most talented designers, and a factory tour lets you see the artists at work. Shop the onsite gift shop for original one-of-a-kind items.

16. Norwegian Knitting Industry Museum

Visit the spinning, winding, knitting, and sewing process at Salhus’s Knitting Museum , where the factory machines now knit socks and scarves that you can buy in the museum shop. Watch the film about Salhus and learn about the history of the factory town. Enjoy snacks in the café onsite.

Part of Fjell Fortress

17. Fjell Fortress

Germany’s biggest stronghold in Norway during World War II, Fjell Fortress , was one of Scandinavia’s main bases during the Nazi occupation. You’ll find a maze of tunnels running beneath Fjedia Mountain , housing a complex of dormitories, living quarters with kitchens, medical stations, workshops, a communications center, and a network of command bunkers. The fortress housed heavy German artillery, including a triple cannon that fired three shells simultaneously. The Cannon Tower Café serves coffee and freshly made pancakes. Get souvenirs at the museum shop.

18. North Sea Traffic Museum

From Fjell Fortress, continue your tour to the North Sea Traffic Museum , where Bergen citizens as the Norwegian Resistance communicated with Allied Forces in Scotland, coordinating crucial drops of supplies. Learn about the tragedy of Telavag and the North Sea Traffic during World War II.

19. Places To Eat In Bergen

Brasserie opus 16.

Indulge in a la carte or three and four-course French-inspired meals at Brasserie Opus 16 , based on the finest local ingredients, like tenderloin of beef, poached salmon, or filet of lamb with seasonal vegetables.

Valaskjalv is a Viking-themed restaurant and bar with long banquet tables and benches offering the Warrior Plate for two or more warriors, grilled whale steak, baby goat leg, or wild boar’s neck with root vegetables and barley risotto.

Restaurant 1877

Restaurant 1877 offers a five-course menu: belly of wild salmon, scallops, grilled monkfish with sunchokes and summer truffle, dry-aged beef with zucchini, and strawberry rose sorrel for dessert, plus wine pairings.

Purchase the Bergen Card for free entry or discounted admission to museums, attractions, events, or sightseeing tours, plus discounts at restaurants, parking, and free travel on Bergen busses, including the Bergen Light Rail between the airport and the city center.

For more on Norway , explore these articles:

  • 9 Magical Experiences On Norway’s Central Coast
  • This Gorgeous Norwegian Hidden Gem Is Home To The Highest Sea Cliff In Europe
  • 6 Reasons Norway Needs To Be On Your Travel Bucket List

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Janie H. Pace is a travel writer and photographer based in Fort Worth, Texas. Her culinary, wine, and travel photography adventures have led her across Peru from Cusco through the Sacred Valley to Machu Picchu; up the Canadian Icefields Parkway from Lake Louise to Banff and Jasper, indulging in Fairmont luxury hotels; and to the four largest islands of Hawaii. Her latest adventure was a Viking Cruise to the Norwegian Homelands. After a career in advertising and sales, Janie knows what makes compelling, substantial content. Whether she's participating in a wine tasting, restaurant review, or local craft beer or distillery tour, Janie posts her adventures at Journey Mapped .

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Reasons Why You Should Visit Bergen At Least Once

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Norway ‘s second city makes for a great city break destination or point of departure for exploring western Norway , which is home to some of Norway ‘s most remarkable nature. With its distinctive colourful wooden houses, its sense of history and the nature you can find right on its doorstep, Bergen can give visitors a real taste of the Norwegian way of life.

You can discover the splendours of bryggen wharf.

Bryggen is the undisputed king of motifs for Bergen postcards, and for good reason. The line of bright house facades facing the Vågen bay is just the beginning of exploring Bryggen. The houses – the oldest of which dates back to the 13th century – hide custom shops, eateries and even a secret World War II hideout museum in their backyards too. Walk around this living and breathing UNESCO world heritage site.

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Take in the Magnificent Views of the City

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Bergen’s Architecture is More Than Just Bryggen

Though Bryggen wharf stands out for its age and location next to the water, Bergen is full of other streets, facades and architectural details worth exploring in their own right. Bergen is full of colourful wooden houses, and together with the crooked, cobbled streets they help give Bergen its special charm and character.

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Get a Taste of Bergen

Norway is famous for its fishery industry, and Bergen was the high seat of fishing and seafood trading, even in medieval times. Its fish market is open every day right in the city centre just opposite Bryggen. There’s a good amount of seafood restaurants around here to sample some of the freshest treasures of the ocean you’ll find anywhere. If you don’t fancy sitting through a three course meal or paying Norwegian restaurant prices, try out the fishmongers’ take-away dishes like fiskekaker, meatball-like fish patties, which you can have served in burger buns for a truly Norwegian delicacy .

Enjoy the Fresh Air and Delicious Water

These may sound like arbitrary points, but Norway ‘s fierce protection of its domestic environment and its abundant natural resources have resulted in some of the purest, best-tasting tap water you’ll find in any country and some of the freshest air even in cities like Bergen and Oslo. Spending a couple of days in Bergen may even feel like a bit of a detox.

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History is Everywhere

From the Bergenhus fortress to the city’s many statues to its great museums , Bergen’s history is ever-present as you stroll around the city. An excavation at Bryggen, for example, revealed more than 100,000 objects of archaeological interest from past centuries just within that small area of the city. Bergen has been an important city for nearly a millennium and it used to be Norway ‘s capital. Its huge wealth made Bergen into the city that it is today – accumulated by the city’s many fishermen and traders.

Astounding Nature is Just Minutes Away

The Fløibanen railway may be a bit touristy, but once you step away from the viewing platform, you begin to realise just how big a presence raw, natural wilderness has in Norway . You’ll be minutes from the centre of Bergen, but you can hike for hours and see just a few people on your path.

Explore Western Norway from Bergen

Western Norway can boast some of Norway ‘s most impressive natural wonders, including many of the country’s best fjords. If you have a car available, national parks such as Folgefonna and Hardangervidda are within fairly easy reach considering the huge size of the country. Combine a night or two in Bergen with a driving holiday or use Bergen as your base for some amazing day trips. Ye of little car, despaireth not: Norway ‘s excellent transport systems make it possible to reach some pretty spectacular places by bus too or train as well.

You Can Go on a One-Day Fjord Cruise

As said, western Norway is home to lots of spectacular fjords. Many different companies offer half-day or full-day cruises up fjords such as Osterfjorden, Nærøyfjorden and Sognefjorden – the longest open fjord in the world and one of the most spectacular. You can reach all of these within hours of departing from Bergen’s city centre.

You Can be Inspired by Bergen’s Cultural Giants

Bergen was the home of some of Norway ‘s best-known cultural figures, such as the classical composers Edvard Grieg (of “Morning Mood” and “Hall of the Mountain King” fame) and Ole Bull, the Danish-Norwegian Enlightenment author and philosopher Ludvig Holberg, the modernist author Amalie Skram and the romanticist painter J.C. Dahl. Bull’s and Grieg’s villas have been opened up to the public and host regular concerts while many of Dahl’s paintings are on display the KODE art museums.

Bergen is Great All Year Round

It’s probably fair to say that the Bergensians know how to handle a bit of rain and snow. Visitors need not fear winters in Norway ; the country is well-equipped to deal with snow, and Norwegian houses are designed to keep a toasty indoor temperature even in minus degrees. A famous Norwegian saying goes “there’s no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing”, and as long as you have a scarf, hat and good winter coat to put on, you’ll find that Bergen is just as charming in the winter as in the summer, and that a whole new bunch of activities are unlocked in the colder months. Two of Norway ‘s best ski resorts, Geilo and Voss, are within a couple of hours’ reach on the Oslo-Bergen railway line, for example, and the seven mountains immediately surrounding Bergen are great skiing destinations too. No excuses not to go to Bergen then!

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12 reasons why you should visit Bergen

Surrounded by seven mountains and with a harbor of world heritage class, Bergen is perfect if you love mountain hikes, city walks, water activities and culture. 

Located in the heart of Western Norway, the city is also the gateway to some of the most famous fjords in the world. 

Below are some great reasons to visit what once was the capital of Norway. Ready to explore it? 

It’s surrounded by seven mountains offering magnificent views

Bergen is surrounded by seven high-points, each with great hiking opportunities and great city view perspectives. Mount Fløyen is perhaps the most famous and accessible of these mountains. The mountain is accessible by foot or a railway from the heart of the city centre. The tallest of the 7 is Mount Ulriken at 643 m (ft. 2110). The other mountains included in the count are Mount Løvstakken, Damsgårdsfjellet, Blåmanen, Lyderhorn, Sandviksfjellet.

Hot tip : If you have some time to spare, are used to nature and love longer more challenging hikes, the local favorite ‘Vidden’ can be worth checking out. The hike goes between Fløyen and Ulriken across a mountain plateau. However, this hike can take up to 6 hours and requires proper hiking gear and food.

It’s the gateway to the fjords

Within a few hours’ reach from Bergen, you can explore both the Hardangerfjord and the Sognefjord, the latter being the longest fjord in Norway. Day trips depart daily from the harbor in the city centre to explore the spectacular fjords of Western Norway – including smaller fjords such as the Osterfjord .

On your way to your destination you get to behold the scenic fjord landscape characterized by mountains, small villages, bird life and farms among others.

It’s home to Bryggen Wharf

Bryggen stands out as a famous landmark and is among the most photographed areas of Bergen. The picturesque line of colorful houses facing the Vågen (harbor)  is listed as a UNESCO’s World Heritage Site. 

The area played an important role in the Hanseatic League’s trading empire that dominated trade in Europe for 400 years. The colorful wooden houses mainly accommodate restaurants, bars, cafes and souvenir shops. Make sure to step into the narrow alleyways between the houses to discover small shops selling jewelry and local crafts. 

It’s famous for boasting colorful wooden architecture

Beyond Bryggen Wharf there is an abundance of other picturesque areas with beautiful wooden architecture. Colorful houses cling on to the mountainsides and appear in clusters around the city. 

Walking the cobbled stone streets of Nordnes and Sandviken offers an abundance of beautiful narrow streets, historical wooden houses, most of which are private homes. 

There are also some local cafes and coffee shops offering a break to recharge your own battery as well as your camera’s.

It’s famous for its great nightlife

As opposed to other major cities in Europe, Bergen does not have one main bar street. Instead, the nightlife is scattered across different parts of the city center. The city is however, famous for its nightlife and has a wide and diverse selection of pubs, bars and clubs. The most popular days to go out are Fridays and Saturdays. 

If you’re looking for trendy bars and restaurants, Skostredet is an area that has thrived in recent years.  

If you just fancy a beer, the areas around Bryggen offer sports bars, beer gardens and traditional pubs sometimes with live music. Being a student city, Bergen also has a lot of places where the beer is cheaper and the music is loud.

It’s a lively student city

Bergen is home to more than 30,000 students from over 110 countries. The largest University, the University of Bergen (UiB) is located on a secluded height just above the city center. 

In the area, next to the Museum of Natural History, is a botanical garden with approximately 3,000 different plant species. Many of the plants are collected as seeds from wild growing species in Norway and elsewhere in the world.

It’s rainy (and famous for it)

Compared to other major cities in Norway (and the world), Bergen has a record high amount of rain. In fact, Bergen has an average of 239 rainy days a year, which is almost 50 % more then what Oslo has. 

The iconic mountains surrounding Bergen as well as its proximity to the North Sea, play a big role in explaining why so much rain washes over the city. The locals are luckily well adapted to the wet climate, and most of them are equipped with fashionable raincoats and rubber boots.

It’s artsy and home to some of Norway’s best-known cultural figures

Bergen is known for its artistic strength. Among others the city has been the home of  famous composers such as the classical composers Edvard Grieg and Ole Bull. In modern times Bergen is proud to be the birth town of the musical giants, Alan Walker and Kygo.

Fun fact: Edvard Grieg spent his adult life composing music from his home at Troldhaugen (now a popular museum). Kygo grew up in the same neighborhood. Although a hundred years apart, both have been inspired by the view of the idyllic Nordåsvannet Lake when creating music.

It’s a boater’s paradise

The coastline around Bergen is the perfect playground for anyone who loves spending time on the ocean. The abundance of islands and islets creates lots of places to anchor up and enjoy life at sea. 

The small communities on the islands near Bergen, make most of their living from aquaculture and the oil industry. Former trading posts like Skjerjehamn and Brandasund are now hotspots for anyone who loves art, culture and local seafood.

It’s built on strong traditions

The sound of the Buekorps marching to the beat of a drum is closely linked to Bergen’s identity. The tradition of Buekorps dates back to the 1850s. Although historically not unique to Bergen, this is the only place the tradition has survived. The members, mainly boys, range in age from 7 to 20. 

The battalions carry wooden crossbows and wear uniforms with links to military traditions. During the season between April and August you often will hear them in the city streets. If you are ever in Bergen on May 17, you will surely come across them.

Bergen has lots of parks and green lungs across the city. In May, the beautiful cherry trees around Lille Lungegårdsvann blossom in gorgeous pink colors. 

The green painted city bikes can also be found all over town. With a day pass you can cruise around town with an unlimited amount of 45 minutes trips. The bikes can be parked at one of the 97 stations across town. 

The Bergen Light rail is not painted green, but its emissions are. It is one of the newest ways of public transport in Bergen, and will take you all the way from the airport to the city centre. Each of the 27 stops has a unique jingle with links to Norwegian musicians that play when the trams arrive at the station.

It’s decorated with impressive street art and murals

In most parts of downtown a mural is usually within sight. The motives often have a pop-cultural reference with either a humoristic or critical twist. Dolk was one of the first acclaimed street artists from Bergen. Some of his first pieces are still around, one of them located close to the downtown movie theatre (Bergen Kino).

Today the street art community is more international, and work done by artists from all over the world can be found on walls and street corners in Bergen.

Related articles

Why it rains so much in bergen – norway’s second largest city, why you need to have the fjords of western norway on your bucket list, famous statues in bergen.

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Best Time of Year to Visit Bergen, Norway

Best Time to Visit Bergen: Deep Dive into the Seasons of Bergen

Julia July 20, 2023 Norway Leave a Comment

Determine the best time of year to visit Bergen, Norway based on the in depth pros and cons of each season in Bergen.

Situated on the western coast of Norway is Bergen, a must-visit city. It is the second largest city in Norway (after Oslo) and a haven for nature lovers, history buffs, and seekers of authentic Scandinavian experiences.

Before booking a trip to Bergen, you’ll want to decide what time of year you should visit. Bergen fortunately has a temperate oceanic climate, meaning it can be rainy and cool throughout the year. This is quite different than many cities in Norway that see more dramatic weather shifts as the seasons change. You’ll still want to plan your timing carefully – particularly if you want to explore more of Norway.

To help you determine when to visit Bergen, let’s take a look at the season-by-season breakdown of what you can expect. That way you can make an informed decision on the best time of year to visit Bergen based on your personal preferences and what you would like to do while you’re there.

What are we waiting for? Let’s dive into the four seasons and the pros and cons of what you’ll experience each time of year in Bergen.

Disclosure:  Some of the links below may be affiliate links. At no additional cost to you, I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase.

Table of Contents

Spring in Bergen

April – May

Springtime in Bergen is when the city reemerges from winter. Flowers bloom. Trees regain their greenery. People start to appear in the city. This can make it the perfect time of year for you to visit Bergen! In fact, its the time of year I first visited Bergen – and I loved it.

If you visit in early April, it is possible you will get a brushing of snow at some point, but otherwise, your biggest challenge will be that rainfall is common in Spring. This is what keeps the beautiful scenery alive and thriving.

If you’re planning to visit Bergen in the spring, here are some things you should know.

  • Weather: Bergen’s spring weather can be unpredictable bringing occasional rain and cooler temperatures. Average temperatures in the spring months range from the mid-40s to mid-50s Fahrenheit (around 7 to 13°C). It’s a good idea to pack layers and a raincoat so you can easily adapt to the varying weather.
  • Crowds: Spring is generally a quieter time to visit Bergen. It sees far fewer tourists than in the summer months. This makes it a great time to explore Bergen’s main attractions without dealing with large crowds.
  • Accommodations: Since spring is not peak tourist season in Bergen, you may be able to find better deals on Bergen hotels . However, it’s still a good idea to book in advance. This is especially true if you’re traveling over Easter or other holidays when the city welcomes more visitors.
  • Indoor activities: Bergen has many indoor attractions to enjoy, such as museums and art galleries. These are awesome places to visit during the frequent spring rain showers. You can also wait out rainy weather in the city’s many restaurants and cafes.
  • Festivals and events: While Bergen’s biggest festivals and events usually take place in the summer months, there are still some events to look out for in the spring. Make sure to check out the Bergen International Festival in May.
  • Outdoor activities: With the cooler temperatures, spring can also be a good time to enjoy Bergen’s outdoor attractions. The crowds are smaller and the scenery can be especially beautiful with blooming flowers and fresh greenery. You’ll definitely want to take a fjord cruise and visit Mount Fløyen .

Overall, spring can be a great time to visit Bergen if you want to avoid the crowds and enjoy a more peaceful experience. Just be prepared for cooler and potentially rainy weather. All it takes is packing layers and a raincoat.

Pros of Visiting Bergen in Spring

  • Fresh Blooms: Springtime in Bergen is one of the most beautiful times of year. You’ll be able to witness flowers blooming in all shapes and colors, transforming the city into a living garden.
  • Fewer Crowds: While rain may be plentiful, tourists are not. Enjoy all of the things to do in Bergen without the crowds. You’ll get to enjoy a more intimate experience and save some money on lower cost accommodation and travel expenses.
  • Cafe Culture: The rain is the perfect excuse to indulge in Bergen’s cafe culture. Sip a warm cup of coffee. Savor freshly baked pastries. Watch the world go by from a window seat.

Cons of Visiting Bergen in Spring

  • Rainy Days: Calling Bergen a rainy city is an understatement. It sees an average of 239 rainy days per year, making it the rainiest city in Europe. While spring showers may dampen your plans, just be prepared with a trusty umbrella or a waterproof rain jacket .
  • Variable Weather: Mother Nature can be fickle during Bergen’s spring. Be prepared for fluctuating temperatures and occasional rain. Dress in layers that you can easily shed or pile on, depending on her whims.
  • Limited Outdoor Activities: Rain can put a damper on some outdoor activities, like hiking and sightseeing. However, don’t let it rain on your parade! Embrace the wet weather with your umbrella and raincoat.

Summer in Bergen

June – August

Summer in Bergen is when the sun shine lures everyone out of their houses and into the streets! Average temperatures range from 55°F to 68°F (13°C to 20°C), making it the warmest time of the year in Bergen.

Summer is also a the best time to visit Bergen for cultural events, festivals, and outdoor adventures. Embrace the magic of the Midnight Sun as the city basks in 24-hour daylight. Hike up Mount Fløyen for breathtaking panoramic views. Indulge in a tasty ice cream cone at the iconic Bergen fish market.

If you’re planning to visit Bergen in the summer, here are some helpful things to know.

  • Weather: During the summer months, the weather in Bergen can be quite pleasant. Average temperatures range from the mid-50s to mid-60s Fahrenheit (around 13 to 20°C). However, it’s always a good idea to bring layers and a raincoat, as showers can occur at any time.
  • Crowds: Summer is peak tourist season in Bergen. Be prepared for larger crowds and longer lines at popular attractions. If you want to avoid the crowds, plan to visit popular sights early in the morning or late in the evening.
  • Accommodations: Since summer is high season in Bergen, it’s a good idea to book your accommodations well in advance. Prices for hotels and other lodging options tend to be higher during this time and the top hotels sell out.
  • Festivals and events: Bergen hosts several festivals and events during the summer months, such as the Bergen Food Festival and the Bergenfest Music Festival . These can be great opportunities to experience the city’s cultural offerings, but it also means that some areas of the city can be more crowded.
  • Outdoor activities: Summer is a great time to explore Bergen’s outdoor attractions, such as Mount Fløyen and the fjords. However, it’s important to be prepared for the weather and bring appropriate gear for hiking and other outdoor activities.
  • Food and drink: During summer you’ll also want to enjoy Bergen’s local cuisine, which often features seafood and other fresh ingredients. Many restaurants even offer outdoor seating and dining options during the summer months.

Overall, you’ll find a beautiful and lively city if you visit Bergen in the summer, offering plenty of cultural events and outdoor activities to enjoy. Just be prepared for larger crowds and higher prices, and of course be sure to pack appropriately for the weather.

Pros of Visiting Bergen in Summer

  • Midnight Sun Magic: Experience the surreal phenomenon of the Midnight Sun, where the sun never truly sets. It’s like having an extended day to explore, party, and enjoy the city.
  • Outdoor Festivals: Bergen comes alive with festivals and cultural events during summer. From music festivals to seafood celebrations, the city knows how to throw a good party. Dance your heart out and feast on the freshest catch of the day.
  • Hiking and Nature Exploration: The long days and pleasant temperatures make summer ideal for outdoor adventures. Lace up your hiking boots and conquer the best trails in the area, enjoying stunning views of the fjords and mountains.
  • Perfect Weather: Summer weather in Bergen is usually mild and pleasant. Average daytime temperatures tend to be in the mid-60s Fahrenheit (around 18-20°C).

Cons of Visiting Bergen in Summer

  • Busier Tourist Season: Summer is the peak tourist season in Bergen bringing larger crowds and longer queues. Make sure to book your must do activities in Bergen in advance to ensure you don’t miss out!
  • Higher Prices: With increased demand, prices for accommodations and activities tend to rise during summer. Budget-conscious travelers might need to do some extra sleuthing to find affordable options.
  • Unpredictable Weather: Despite the warm temperatures, rain showers can still surprise you. Pack sunscreen and an emergency poncho because the weather forecast can be as reliable as a squirrel predicting the stock market.

View of Bergen, Norway from Floyen

Fall in Bergen

September – October

As summer fades away, it’s time to get ready for autumn colors in Bergen. With plenty of trees situated around the fjords of Bergen, the city transforms into a dreamy wonderland with leaves painting the streets in shades of gold and crimson.

Best of all, temperatures in fall in Bergen remain a temperate 43°F to 57°F (6°C to 14°C), making it ideal for leisurely walks, café visits, and outdoor exploration.

For the best views, take a scenic train ride on the Flåm Railway as part of a Norway in a Nutshell tour where you’ll be surrounded by majestic fjords and cascading waterfalls. Alternatively, explore the nearby Hardangerfjord , famed for its apple orchards and beautiful landscapes or take a more affordable scenic fjord cruise to Mostraumen .

If you’re planning to visit Bergen in the fall, here are some helpful things to know:

  • Weather: Fall in Bergen is typically mild and rainy with average temperatures ranging from the mid-40s to mid-50s Fahrenheit (around 6 to 14°C). It’s important to pack warm and waterproof clothing, as rain is common during the Bergen’s fall.
  • Crowds: Fall is generally a quieter time to visit Bergen. It sees far fewer tourists than in the summer months which makes it a great time to explore the city’s attractions without dealing with large crowds.
  • Foliage: The fall foliage in Bergen and the surrounding areas can be beautiful with the leaves turning shades of red, orange, and yellow. Consider taking a scenic drive or hike to take in the autumn scenery.
  • Festivals and events: Bergen hosts a few festivals and events during the fall months, like the Bergen International Film Festival – but far fewer than summer. They always make great opportunities to experience the city’s culture offerings.
  • Outdoor activities: Fall can be a great time to enjoy outdoor activities in Bergen, such as hiking, biking, and kayaking. The weather is usually mild, and the fall foliage makes for beautiful scenery.
  • Indoor activities: Bergen also has many indoor attractions to enjoy during the fall, including museums, art galleries, and theaters. You can also explore the city’s many cafes and restaurants after your days out and about to enjoy their warm and hearty food and drink options.

Overall, visiting Bergen in the fall can be a great choice if you want to experience the autumn foliage and a quieter, more relaxed atmosphere. Just be prepared for potential rain and cooler temperatures, and make sure to pack accordingly.

Pros of Visiting Bergen in Fall

  • Stunning Autumn Colors: Pack your camera to capture the amazing tapestry of red, orange, and gold that lights up the hillsides. You’ll definitely want to make time in your Bergen itinerary to stroll through the city’s parks and gardens.
  • Quaint Ambiance: Fall brings a cozy atmosphere to Bergen. Embrace the “hygge” culture by enjoying the warmth of candlelit cafes, comforting culinary dishes, and snuggly sweaters.
  • Lower Prices: As the tourist season wanes, prices for accommodations and attractions tend to dip. You can score some great deals and save the extra money for a shopping spree or an indulgent dinner.

Cons of Visiting Bergen in Fall

  • Cooler Temperatures: As fall progresses, temperatures drop, and you might need to channel your inner marshmallow by layering up. Don’t be surprised if your sweater collection grows exponentially during your visit.
  • Shorter Days: With the summer solstice in the rearview, you’ll have fewer daylight hours to explore. Plan your activities accordingly and make sure to carry a flashlight for those “adventurous” night strolls.
  • Seasonal Closures: Some attractions and outdoor activities may close or have limited availability during the fall season – particularly as winter starts to descend on the region.

Winter in Bergen

November – March

Visiting Bergen in Winter is a bit of a challenge. You’ll be facing cold weather, with average temperatures range from 0°C to 6°C (32°F to 43°F), and short days with long dark nights. That being said, there’s still plenty to do after dark and you have the opportunity to potentially see the Northern Lights dancing across the night sky.

Overall, a visit to Bergen in Winter is different than if you were to go to other parts of Norway this time of year due to its more moderate weather. This means there’s a much smaller chance of snow, and if there is snow it’s more of a dusting than the multiple feet you’ll find elsewhere. If experiencing snow in Norway is on your bucket list, you’ll have to head to one of the nearby ski resorts.

Alternatively, you can really enjoy exploring Bergen’s rich history in the winter when crowds are low and accommodations are plentiful. When in doubt, just stop to warm up with a cup of hot cocoa or coffee at one of the many charming cafes.

If you’re planning to visit Bergen in the winter, here are some things you should know:

  • Weather: Winter in Bergen is typically cold and wet, with average temperatures ranging from the mid-30s to mid-40s Fahrenheit (around 0 to 6°C). Snow is not common in Bergen, but rain and sleet are, so it’s important to pack warm and waterproof clothing.
  • Daylight: Bergen, like all of Norway, is located far north. This means there are fewer hours of daylight in the mid-winter months (December-February). In December, for example, there are only about six hours of daylight per day. This can be a challenge for some travelers. However, the winter solstice in late December also means that the days begin to get longer again.
  • Indoor activities: Bergen has many indoor attractions to enjoy during the winter, such as museums, art galleries, and theaters. You can also explore the city’s many cozy cafes and restaurants, which offer warm and hearty food and drink options.
  • Festivals and events: You’ll also find Bergen hosts a few winter festivals and events, such as the Bergen Christmas Market . If you’re in the area, you have to take part. After all, European Christmas markets have a certain reputation to uphold!
  • Outdoor activities: While winter may not be the ideal time for outdoor activities in Bergen, there are still some options to consider, such as skiing and snowshoeing in the nearby mountains, or taking a fjord cruise to see the winter scenery from the water.
  • Transportation: During the winter, keep an eye on the weather and check for transportation updates. If you’re traveling north or cross country to Oslo via train snow, ice, and strong winds can sometimes disrupt travel plans. Be prepared for potential delays and cancellations, and make sure to plan ahead for any necessary transportation changes.

Overall, visiting Bergen in the winter can be a unique and memorable experience with a range of indoor and outdoor activities to enjoy. Just be prepared for cold and potentially wet weather. If you pack accordingly, your winter trip to Bergen should be lovely!

Pros of Visiting Bergen in Winter

  • Winter Sports: While Bergen gets limited snow, this can be a great time to visit if you enjoy winter sports, such as skiing or snowboarding, or if you want to experience the magical atmosphere of the holiday season in Bergen.
  • Holiday Events: The Bergen Christmas Market is a big perk to visiting Bergen in December, but if you’re visiting another time in winter, Bergen hosts several winter festivals and events so keep your eyes open!
  • Northern Lights Spectacle: Winter nights in Bergen offer a chance to witness the mesmerizing Northern Lights. They don’t appear every night, but you’ll have to watch the sky to see if you’re in luck!

If you the Northern Lights are on your bucket list for Norway, plan a trip up to Tromso, Norway. Here they show up regularly and there’s amazing things to do and places to stay in Tromso !

  • Cozy Indoor Activities: Get into the “hygge” spirit with museum visits, cozying up by the fireplace with a good book, or indulging in hearty Norwegian cuisine. Don’t forget to master the art of wrapping yourself in blankets like a majestic human burrito. It’s a must!

Cons of Visiting Bergen in Winter

  • Chilly Weather: Winters in Bergen are cold, dark, and wet, with average temperatures around freezing (0°C) and frequent rain and some snow. Pack multiple layers so you can bundle up as needed.
  • Limited Daylight: With shorter daylight hours – we’re talking about 6 hours of daylight, you’ll need to plan your activities accordingly. Plan indoor activities for after dark or plan to watch the night sky for the Northern Lights.
  • Slippery Surfaces: Cold weather can turn the rainy and snowy streets into a makeshift ice-skating rink. Walk carefully, unless you want to learn more about the Norwegian healthcare system!

The Bryggen harbor front

Explore More of Bergen, Norway

Overall, the best time to visit Bergen depends on your interests and priorities. If you want mild weather and lots of outdoor activities, then summer is probably the best time to go. If you prefer fewer crowds and lower prices, then spring and fall are good options. And if you love winter sports, or want to experience the holiday season in a beautiful and historic city, then winter could be the best time for you.

I personally recommend the shoulder seasons or summer to make the most of the area, but it really is up to your preferences. You’ll find plenty to do in the city either way and each season in Bergen has its own unique charm and quirks.

Happy travels, and here are some additional posts to help you continue your planning!

  • 11 Things to Know Before Visiting Bergen, Norway
  • Is Bergen, Norway Worth Visiting? Find Out!
  • Where to Stay in Bergen, Norway: Best Areas and Hotels
  • 21 Best Things to Do in Bergen, Norway
  • How to Spend Two Days in Bergen, Norway: The Perfect Two Day Itinerary
  • Do It Yourself “Norway in a Nutshell” Tour: A Day Trip Itinerary
  • Travel Oslo to Bergen by Train: Taking the Bergensbanen

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When to Visit Bergen, Norway

The founder of The Cure for Curiosity, Julia is a North Carolina based, travel addict who has followed her curiosity to 90+ countries. Whether it’s crawling through the Pyramids of Egypt, climbing to Mount Everest Base Camp in Nepal, or diving the Blue Hole in Belize, she’s always on the go, and she wants to help you travel more and travel better by sharing what she’s learned along the way, from travel tips  and packing lists to destination specific details.

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    Visit the Bryggen Historic District. The historic harbor district of Bryggen is one of Bergen's main attractions. Known for its colorful buildings standing at the edge of the harbor, Bryggen was built after the great fire in 1702, and many of the structures remain from that time many centuries ago. This vibrant district was where the first ...

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    When you're exploring a city, it's always worthwhile to visit at least one museum. Hence, we've included the renowned Hanseatic Museum (official site) in our list of Bergen must-sees. This place chronicles how German merchants from the Hanseatic League lived and traded in Bergen over 400 years, from 1350 to 1750.

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    You'll find coins come in denominations of 1, 5, 10, and 20 and banknotes come as 50, 100, 200, 500, and 1,000 kroner. While most places in Norway do accept credit and debit cards now, you will also want to visit an ATM to have some krones on hand for the instances where credit and debit are not accepted. 6.

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    11. Sample The Freshest Seafood at the Bergen Fish Market. 12.Chill With A Drink In The Magic Ice Bar Bergen. 13. Check Out One Of Norway's Oldest And Best Preserved Castles At Bergenhus Fortress. 14. Escape the Inevitable Rain In A Scandinavian Chic Coffee Shop. 15.

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    Walk along constructed streets, with authentic buildings on either side, and experience the distinct atmosphere of the old city streets. Through shops, workshops, details, ornaments and objects, history is brought back to life in its original setting. 10. Bergenhus Fortress. Historical Landmark.

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    12 Things to Do in Bergen, Norway. Table of Contents. 1. Explore Bergen by Foot: The Charming Old Quarter. One of the first things to do in Bergen is visiting its old quarter. Wander around the delightful wooden alleys of Bryggen and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere. Admire the old, quirky buildings, and browse the interesting shops and boutiques.

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    7. Mount Floyen. Take the 6-minute funicular railway trip to the top of Mount Floyen for spectacular views of the surrounding vistas of Bergen. Check out the Floistuen Shop and Café for coffee, hot chocolate, a cold drink, and a freshly baked pastry. Shop for candles, unique gifts, and more.

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